Types of seizures
partial and generalized
partial vs generalized seizures
Partial: one hemisphere, No loss of consciousness, Jerky movement on one side of the body
Generalized: both hemispheres, has 3 phases (tonic > clonic > postictal)
Brainpower
Read More
tonic phase
Aura
Cry out (due to air being squeezed out of the lungs)
Unconscious
Continuous muscle contraction (rigidity)
Increased CO2 and glucose demand on the brain
clonic phase
state of alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles
postictal phase
the period of time immediately following a tonic-clonic seizure in which the patient goes from full
loss of consciousness to full mental status
S/S of seizures
Possible auras
Unconscious
Continuous muscle contraction
Jerky movements
What is the goal of seizure medications
limits abnormal activity without impairing cognition & undesirable S/E.
Main drugs to tx/prevention seizures
- Lorazepam (ativan)
- Diazepam (valium)
- Phenytoin (dilantin)
, - Carbamazepine (tegretol)
- Topiramate (topamax)
Lorazepam (Ativan) & Diazepam (valium)
Benzodiazepine
Antianxiety & antiseizure
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Anticonvulsant
S/E: gingival hyperplasia; CNS depression; skin rash; cardiac dysrhythmias; hypotension;
narrow therapeutic index
Topiramate (Topamax)
Works to decrease alcohol cravings & prevent withdrawal seizures
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Anticonvulsant
emergency seizure care
1. protect airway - roll on side
2. protect from injury
3. do not move or forcefully restrain in tonic-clonic seizure, but do ease to ground if sitting
4. nothing in mouth
5. time the event and document characteristics
6. if possible, isolate/provide privacy
7. pillow or folded blanket under head
8. loosen restrictive clothes, remove eyeglasses
9. clear hazardous objects
10 jaw thrust for tongue if tongue causing choking
*DO NOT:
restrain, put anything in mouth, give food or liquids
status epilepticus
A condition in which seizures recur every few minutes or last more than 30 minutes.
Parkinson's disease
a progressive disease that destroys brain cells and is identified by muscular tremors, slowing of
movement, and partial facial paralysis
S/S of Parkinson's
TRAP
Tremors
Rigidity