Sensory Perception and Seizures Vocabulary

Flashcards on Sensory Perception and Seizures

Sensory Perception

The individual's capacity to perceive, interpret, and respond to sensory and cognitive stimuli.

Seizure

An abnormal, sudden, excessive, uncontrolled electrical discharge of neurons within the brain that may result in a change in the level of consciousness, motor or sensory ability, and/or behavior.

Idiopathic Seizures

Cause unknown; not associated with brain lesions. Possible genetic origin.

Secondary Seizures

Result from underlying brain lesions or conditions such as stroke, tumor, metabolic or electrolyte disturbance, acute alcohol withdrawal, or heart disease.

Epilepsy

A chronic disorder characterized by two or more unprovoked seizures.

Generalized Seizures

Involve both hemispheres of the brain. Include absence, atonic, tonic, clonic, tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and febrile seizures.

Partial (Focal/Local) Seizures

Involve one hemisphere of the brain.

Absence Seizures

Appear as a blank stare, resembling daydreaming.

Atonic Seizures

Involve a loss of muscle tone, leading to falls.

Tonic Seizures

Characterized by muscle stiffness and rigidity.

Clonic Seizures

Involve rhythmic jerking movements.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Combination of stiffening and jerking (commonly recognized as typical seizures).

Myoclonic Seizures

Brief jerking of extremities.

Febrile Seizures

Occur in children with high fevers (typically above 101°F).

Aura

A premonition or sensation (taste, vision, smell) before the seizure.

Preeclampsia

High blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy; a precursor to eclampsia.

Eclampsia

Occurrence of one or more generalized seizures during pregnancy, labor, or postpartum.

Pediatric Epilepsy

Recurrent seizures not associated with acute illness in children.

Postictal Phase

Confusion, lethargy, and sleep following a seizure.

Infantile or Epileptic Spasms

Quick contractions of the neck, arms, trunk, and legs in infants.

Neonatal Seizures

Occur during the first month of life.

Video EEG

Monitors brain waves; correlates EEG activity with physical behavior.

Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS)

Device implanted in the left chest wall, connected to the vagal nerve; activates during a seizure or can be self-activated during an aura.

Craniotomy

Removal of the part of the brain causing the seizure.

Status Epilepticus

A seizure lasting more than five minutes or repeated seizures over thirty minutes.

Benzodiazepines (Diazepam, Lorazepam or Clonazepam)

Used to stop seizures; can cause respiratory depression. Antidote is Flumazenil.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Monitor therapeutic drug levels, interaction with erythromycin and other drugs. Grapefruit interaction. Side effects: CNS depression, behavioral changes, weight gain, and leukopenia.

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Avoid pregnancy. Good mouth care, no meds early, no meds late, don't skip doses. Side effects: Lethargy, difficulty with coordination, allergic reactions, nystagmus, hirsutism, and gingival hyperplasia. Interaction with other meds.

Phenobarbital (Luminal/Phenobarb)

Cannot take when pregnancy or breastfeeding, Warfarin or birth control interaction. Monitor drug levels. Side effects: Sedation, cognitive deficits, and behavior changes.

Levetiracetam (Keppra)

Can be used in pregnancy to maintain seizure control. Side effects: CNS depression, mood swings, and suicidal ideation. Can lower white blood cell.

Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Can be used when pregnancy, not affected by any foods. Side effects: GI issues, dizziness, headache, vision changes, and difficulty with coordination

Gabapentin and Pregabalin (Neurontin)

Also used to treat nerve pain. Side effects: CNS depression (fatigue or dizziness) and suicidal ideation.

Topiramate (Topamax)

You need to maintain good hydration. Side effects: CNS depression (Including fatigue), nervousness and decreased attention. Renal calculi and decreased appetite. Need to med rec every patient, for interactions with other seizure meds.

Valproic Acid (Depakane)

Causes gastric ulcers and it must be taken with food. Must not crush. Side effects: GI issues, weight gain, hair loss or liver failure.

Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

Monitor drug levels and interactions with meds, (A LOT). Side effects: CNS (Fatigue and potential dizziness), HA, double vision, or NA issues and throw rash.