Seizures, Anticonvulsants & Neuro-degenerative Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards covering seizure types, anticonvulsant medications, Parkinson’s therapy, restless leg syndrome, and related neuro-pharmacologic terms.

Tonic Phase

The stiffening stage of a seizure in which the trunk and extremities extend and the person may fall.

Clonic Phase

The stage of rhythmic muscle contraction and relaxation that follows the tonic phase in a tonic-clonic seizure.

Tonic-Clonic (Generalized) Seizure

Abrupt loss of consciousness with tonic stiffening followed by clonic jerking; often lasts 2–5 min and may include incontinence.

Absence Seizure

Brief (10–20 sec) lapse in consciousness without convulsions, seen mainly in children; patient often appears to ‘blank out.’

Febrile Seizure

Seizure triggered by high fever; treatment focuses on correcting the cause of the fever, not on anticonvulsants.

Aura

A subjective warning sensation (e.g., strange smell, feeling) that precedes some seizures and allows the person to prepare.

Status Epilepticus

Continuous or repeated seizures without regaining consciousness; a neurologic emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Partial (Focal) Seizure

Seizure originating in one brain region (often temporal lobe); may cause confusion, odd behavior, or motor symptoms.

Temporal Lobe Lesion

Brain abnormality often responsible for partial seizures and associated auras.

First-Generation Anticonvulsants

Older seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine) requiring serum-level monitoring and multiple daily doses.

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

First-generation anticonvulsant; side effects include blurred vision and risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Anticonvulsant whose side effects include ataxia and potential cardiac complications; action potentiated by grapefruit juice.

Valproic Acid (Depakote)

Broad-spectrum anticonvulsant; notable adverse effect is thrombocytopenia and common side effect is weight gain.

Ethosuximide

Drug of choice for managing absence epilepsy.

Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Benzodiazepine used for absence seizures; watch for suicidal tendencies, rash, and blood dyscrasias.

Drug Titration

Gradual upward adjustment of medication dose until seizures are controlled or maximum tolerated dose is reached.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Life-threatening skin and mucous-membrane reaction (blisters, peeling) that can be triggered by certain drugs such as phenytoin.

Ataxia

Impaired coordination or unsteady movements; a possible side effect of carbamazepine.

Grapefruit Juice Interaction

Citrus juice can increase blood levels and toxicity of carbamazepine by potentiating its action.

Thrombocytopenia

Low platelet count; an adverse reaction associated with valproic acid.

Blood Dyscrasias

Any abnormality of blood components (e.g., anemia, leukopenia); possible complication of drugs like clonazepam.

Second-Generation Anticonvulsants

Newer agents (e.g., gabapentin, topiramate) with fewer drug interactions, less need for serum monitoring, and once- or twice-daily dosing.

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Second-generation anticonvulsant also used for neuropathic pain; must not be stopped abruptly if prescribed for seizures.

Topiramate (Topamax)

Second-generation anticonvulsant used for seizures and pain; gradual withdrawal is required to avoid rebound seizures.

Parkinson’s Disease

Progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia due to dopamine deficiency.

Bradykinesia

Generalized slowness of movement characteristic of Parkinson’s disease.

Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet)

Most common initial therapy for Parkinson’s; long-term use can lead to dyskinesia and eventual ‘wearing-off.’

Dyskinesia

Involuntary, purposeless movements often appearing after prolonged levodopa therapy.

Dopamine Agonists

Drugs that mimic dopamine and can delay levodopa complications or be used alone in early Parkinson’s.

Pramipexole (Mirapex)

Dopamine agonist used for Parkinson’s and restless leg syndrome; taken 1–3 h before bedtime for RLS.

Ropinirole (Requip)

Dopamine agonist for Parkinson’s and RLS; can serve as a levodopa-sparing agent in younger patients.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Sensory-motor disorder causing an irresistible urge to move legs, worse at rest and at night; disrupts sleep.

Primary RLS

RLS caused by central dopaminergic pathway problems without another underlying condition.

Secondary RLS

RLS resulting from conditions such as iron deficiency, renal failure, diabetes, RA, pregnancy, or vitamin B12/folate lack.

Memantine

NMDA receptor antagonist used for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s dementia.

Donepezil (Aricept)

Cholinesterase inhibitor for Alzheimer’s; may cause unusual sensations that lead some patients to discontinue use.

Dopamine Deficiency

Neurochemical hallmark of Parkinson’s disease leading to motor symptoms such as tremor and rigidity.