Epilpesy Yul Orozco Morales
Definition
Etymology: From the greek word Epilepsia. Epi meaning upon and Lepsis meaning seizure. In ancient times epilepsy was known as the sacred disease. Definition: Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to epileptic seizures
WHO: Two or more unprovoked seizures. A chronic noncommunicable disorder of the brain that affects people of all ages.
Pathology It depends mainly on different ions: Sodium Calcium (not represented here) Magnesium
Also on neurotransmitters GABA Glutamate
Causes of epilepsy include: Stroke Brain tumor
Brain infection Past head injury Metabolic problems Other neurological conditions
Genetic factors
Clasification of SEIZURES
A seizure may appear as: A sudden cry and fall, followed by Convulsive movements of all limbs Shallow/interrupted breathing - cyanosis Loss of bowel/bladder control
Slow return to consciousness, postseizure confusion and/or fatigue
This is a generalized tonic-clonic or “grand mal” seizure.
or a seizure may be…
Blank staring, chewing, other repetitive purposeless movements
Wandering, confusion, incoherent speech
Crying, screaming, running, flailing
A sudden loss of muscle tone and fall
Picking at clothes, disrobing
This is one type of partial seizure known as a complex partial seizure.
Or also as…
Rhythmic movements isolated twitching of arms, face, legs Sensory symptoms tingling, weakness, sounds, smells, tastes, feeling of upset stomach, visual distortions Psychic symptoms déjà vu, hallucinations, feelings of fear or anxiety Usually last less than one minute May precede a generalized seizure
Anti-epileptic Medications Depakote (Valproic acid) • Felbatol (felbamate) • Neurontin (gabapentin) • Gabatril (tiagabine) • Tegretol (carbamezepine) • Keppra • Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) (levetiracetam) • Topamax (topiramate) • Lamictal (lamotrigine) • Zonegran (zonisamide) • Dilantin (phenytoin) • Lyrica (pregabalin) • phenobarbitol •
Pre-hospital Treatment – Complex Partial Seizure (CPS) May be reported as drunkenness/illegal drug use medical conditions such as a stroke or diabetic reaction “person acting strangely” •
Look for sudden loss of awareness and automatic, purposeless behaviors such as picking at clothes, chewing, mumbling or wandering.
Pre-hospital Treatment – Generalized tonic-clonic seizure Assure scene safety If trauma is not suspected, place patient in recovery position Protect head/limbs from injury Follow A B C protocol: Maintain airway – suction PRN Administer O2 Monitor cardio-respiratory status
During GTC seizure, assess for: Traumatic injury Possible aspiration (seizure in water) Elderly, pregnant or diabetic patient Check blood glucose
Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, or occurring in a series
When present, activate ALS and/or rapidly transport to receiving facility
Status Epilepticus
What is prognosis for this?
Is very complex and have a ton of possibilities. Is not the attack, all the cares are fundamental The age, the syndromes and the evolution play together trough patients life Many of the cases has to take medications for life
bibliography
Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy S, eds. Bradley’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2016; 2348 pp