Seizures - Athena (Bill)

what causes seizures?

anything that disrupts the communication pathway in the brain

what are the two classifications of seizures?

generalized seizures (both hemispheres) and partial/focal seizures (single hemisphere)

what are the two types of generalized seizures?

tonic-clonic (grand-mal) and Absense (petit-mal)

what are the two types of partial/focal seizures?

simple focal and complex focal

describe the tonic phase of a grand-mal seizure (6 pts)

seizure begins, patient loses consciousness and MAY fall

strong tonic spasms may force air out of lungs —> crys + moans

saliva/foaming of mouth

stiffening of chest muscles

gasping/gurgling sounds

20 seconds

describe the clonic phase of a grand-mal seizure (4 pts)

jerking movement affecting face/arms/legs

may let out a deep sigh and return tor normal breathing

after 1-3 mins, jerking movement slows down + body relaxes

bowel + bladder may relax

describe an absence seizure (6 pts)

brief AMS + staring

NOOO LOC but eyes MAY roll into back of head

pts will MOST LIKELY maintain postures

mouth/face may twitch + eyes may blink rapidly

repetitive movements

30 seconds —> may occur several times

what is the post-ictal period, and describe it + Sx

after a seizure, person may still be unconscious as the brain recovers

PTs can appear to be sleeping/snoring

PTs can be confused, exhausted, sore after

after a few hours, PTs may not remember having a seizure + memory loss

PTs may have abnormal/combative behavior after a TONIC CLONIC seizure

Labored breathing, nausea, headache, hypertension

5-30 minutes

describe a simple focal seizure

usually preceded by an aura —> symptoms varying based on which part of the brain is affected

1-2 minutes

CONSCIOUSNESS IS PRESERVED

describe a complex focal seizure

seizure typically occurs in temporal lobe (affects emotions + memory)

CONSCIOUSNESS IS NOT PRESERVED

30 seconds to 2 minutes

what are some seizure conditions?

status epilepticus, epilepsy, eclampsia, preeclampsia

what are some seizure treatments?

anti-epileptic drugs, brain surgery, vagus nerve + deep brain stimulation, diets + complimentary therapies

what are some medications for seizures?

Leveturacetam, Ethosuximide, Benzodiazepines