Ch 19 Seizures and Syncope: Prehospital Emergency Care

Vocabulary-style flashcards based on the Chapter 19 lecture notes on Seizures and Syncope, covering pathophysiology, classifications, and emergency assessment.

Seizures

Random electrical discharges in the brain that result in changes in activity and behavior.

Epilepsy

The most common cause of seizures.

Primary (Unprovoked) Seizures

Seizures resulting from a genetic or unknown cause, categorized as generalized (both hemispheres) or partial (one hemisphere).

Generalized Seizures

Seizures that involve both hemispheres of the brain.

Partial Seizures

Seizures that involve only one hemisphere of the brain, subdivided into simple partial and complex partial.

Secondary (Provoked) Seizures

Seizures resulting from an underlying cause such as fever, infection, poisoning, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, traumatic brain injury, shock, hypoxia, or drug withdrawal.

Status Epilepticus

A life-threatening emergency characterized by generalized motor seizures lasting $> 30$ mins or repeated seizures without the patient regaining consciousness between them.

Aura

The first stage of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, serving as a warning sign for the patient.

Tonic Phase

The stage of a seizure characterized by muscle rigidity.

Clonic Phase

The stage of a seizure characterized by convulsions.

Postictal State

The recovery period following a seizure, which may involve confusion or potential violence.

Simple Partial Seizure

A seizure where the patient remains awake and may experience motor, sensory, autonomic, or psychic symptoms.

Complex Partial Seizure

A seizure where the patient is awake but not aware, characterized by a blank stare, random movements, or repetition of words.

Secondarily Generalized Seizures

Seizures that begin as simple or complex partial seizures and then spread to both sides of the brain, involving the entire body.

Incontinence

The loss of bladder or bowel control, which is a common sign associated with seizures.

Assess Oxygenation

In the prehospital setting, oxygen should be applied if the $SpO_2$ is $< 94\% $.

Transport Priority Indicators

Criteria for urgent transport including status epilepticus, unresponsiveness, poor ABCs, pregnancy, diabetes, seizure in water, or no seizure history.

Syncope

A sudden, temporary loss of consciousness caused by an interruption of cerebral perfusion.

Vasovagal Syncope

A common type of syncope accounting for $21.2\%$ of cases, often due to increased parasympathetic influence.

Syncope vs Seizure (Warning Signs)

Syncope usually starts while standing with light-headedness; seizures can start in any position and may include a localized aura.

Syncope vs Seizure (Clinical Signs)

Syncope is associated with brief LOC and bradycardia, whereas seizures involve prolonged LOC, tachycardia, and urination.

Common Epilepsy Medications

Pharmaceuticals such as Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Diazepam (Valium), Phenytoin (Dilantin), and Valproic Acid (Depakene).