Seizures

Question 1

Seizures

Answer 1

discharges from groups of neurons which arise from excessive excitation or loss of inhibition

Question 2

Epilepsy

Answer 2

neurological syndrome characterised by recurrent unprovoked seizures

Question 3

Types of epilepsy

Answer 3

1. Focal/Partial seizures

2. Generalised seizures

Question 4

Definition of focal seizures

Answer 4

seizures are focussed to a particular region of the brain

• Patients tend to hold a level of consciousness during the seizure
• Mainly occur in adults

Question 5

Subtypes of focal seizures

Answer 5

1. Simple focal seizures - no impairment od consciousness
2. Complex focal seizures - impairment of consciousness
3. Secondary generalised tonic clonic - seizure spreads from region of origin o the whole brain

Question 6

Pathology of focal seziures

Answer 6

• Can be caused by underlying lesion, trauma, tumors

Question 7

Symptoms of focal seizures

Answer 7

1. Aura - smell, auditory hallcinations, sensory symptoms

Question 8

Generalised seizures

Answer 8

The whole brain, both hemi spheres are involed in the seizure
• Full loss of consciousness

Question 9

Subtypes of generalised seizure

Answer 9

• Absence seizure ( petit mal)
• Generalised tonic clonic seizure
• Myoclonic/atonic seizure

Question 10

Pathology of generalised seizure

Answer 10

1. idiopathic/genetic/environmental
2. Infection/Meningitis
3. Autoimmune-encephalitis

Question 11

Absence seizure

Answer 11

• Loss of awareness and vacant expression for less than 10 secs before normal
• No motor manifestation
• Children are more susceptible

Question 12

Generalised tonic clonic

Answer 12

• Initial stiffness of limbs followed by chronic jerking

* Postical phase - period of flaccid irresponsiveness followed by gradual return of consciousness

Question 13

Myoclonic seizures/ Atonic seizures

Answer 13

Myoclonic seizures - some or all of the body undergoes sudden jerks less than a sudden
• Atonic seizure - collapse of muscle tone and consciousnee