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Epilepsy by VanNess
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Define seizure. | paroxysmal event due to abnormal, excessive, hypersynchronous discharges from aggregates of CNS neurons |
epilepsy | condition of recurrent seizures due to chronic underlying process |
epilepsy syndrome | group of clinical and/or pathologic characteristics that are distinctive and suggest a specific etiology |
cryptogenic seizures | seizures presumed to be happening but without proof |
idiopathic seizures | no obvious pathology or structural brain disorder behind seizure disorder |
List 3 special populations at higher risk for epilepsy. | minorities, those with MR, CP, disabilities, Alzheimer's, post-stroke, children of those with epilepsy |
single most important test for evaluation of epilepsy | EEG with MRI being a close 2nd |
Classification of seizures and epilepsies is essential for: (3 reasons) | in order to focus dx on particular etiology, to select appropriate therapy, provide info about prognosis |
Contrast partial and generalized seizures. | partial: unilateral origin on EEG, sx consistent with focal origin generalized: bilat origin on EEG, sx c/w nonfocal origin |
Contrast the subtypes of partial sz - complex and simple. | simple: consciousness preserved complex: LOC |
If a pt comes in stating she hears voices sometimes interlaced with music in the background, besides schizophrenia, what is another DDx? | simple partial seizure causing auditory hallucinations |
Simple partial seizures with psychic symptoms are generally localized to what cortical region? | temporal lobe, can be faithfully reproduced with electrical stimulation |
Describe an automatism. | any automatic action that is indicative of one's particular type of sz - ex: lip smacking, hands clutching the air, etc. |
What is the most common cortical location that causes localized and symptomatic epilepsies? | temporal lobe |
List the types of generalized seizures. | absence, myoclonic, clonic, tonic, tonic-clonic, atonic |
What two pieces of information are most helpful in narrowing down the type of sz afflicting a pt? | age and description of the sz activity |
most common cause of epilepsy in early adulthood (especially males) | trauma - war, boxing, football concussions 2nd - EtOH, drugs |
You are attending a 50 y/o Mexican man in the ER who has just had his first seizure. On CT scan, you note plaques on the brain that are very characteristic. Diagnosis: | cysticercosis |
The most common cause of temporal lobe epilepsy: | right hippocampal sclerosis, detectable on MRI |