Chapter 14: Antiepileptic Drugs

Anticonvulsant

Substances that prevent or reduce severity of epileptic or other convulsive seizures

Antiepileptic drugs

Prescription drugs that prevent or reduce severity of epilepsy and diff types of epileptic seizures, not just convulsive seizures

Convulsion

Type of seizure involving excessive stimulation of neurons in the brain and characterized by spasmodic contraction of voluntary muscles

Epilepsy

General term for any of a group of neurologic disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of convulsive seizures, sensory disturbances, abnormal behavior, loss of consciousness, or any combination of theses

Seizure

Excessive stimulation of neurons in the brain leading to a sudden burst of abnormal neuron activity that results in temp chnages in the brain function, primarily affecting sensory and motor activity.

Status epilepticus

Seizure disorder characterized by generalized convulsions that occur repeatedly; considered a true medical emergency

Tonic-clonic seizures

Generalized seizures involving initial muscular contraction throughout the body (tonic phase), progressing to alternating contraction and relaxation (clonic phase)