Week 10: Neurological Conditions
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Define fitting
A period of involuntary muscular convulsion, often followed by a period of profound lethargy, confusion and sleep
What are the two types of fitting?
• epileptiform • non- epileptiform
Define epileptiform
Spike or sharp wave activity or other rhythmic waveforms, causing epilepsy
Define non-epileptiform
Similar symptoms of an epileptic seizure without any unusual electrical activity in the brain often caused by mental stress or physical condition
What are the different causes of a fit?
• generalised • partial
Define generalised
both sides of the brain are used from outset
Define partial
Localised area of the brain
What are some risks of prolonged seizures
• permanent brain damage • death • apnea • occluded airway • heart rhythm (bradycardia, tachycardia, ictal asystole)
After how long is a seizure considered long?
5 minutes
What are the 4 stages of a seizure?
• aura stage • tonic stage • clonic stage • postical stage
What are the different types of generalised seizure?
• tonic clonic • tonic • atonic • abscences
Define tonic clonic
Rigid, falls, jerks
Define tonic
Rigid, falls, but no jerking
Define atonic
Sudden loss of muscle tone (drop attack)
Define abscences
Brief interruption, blank staring
What are the two partial/focal seizure types:
• simple • complex
Define simple
Remain conscious, pins and needles, unusual taste/smell or some other sensory disturbance, localised jerking/sometimes a slight twitch
Define complex
Alteration of consciousness, pluck at clothing, fiddle with objects, act confused, lip smacking, chewing, undressing, appear intoxicated
What is secondary generalised?
Partial evolves into generalised
What symptoms/causes are there of non-epileptiform seizures?
• febrile convulsions • cardiac arrêt in adults • hypoglycaemia • hypoxia • stoke • tumour
What is alcohol withdrawal seizures?
When someone consumes a lot of alcohol, or when someone whose body is used to having alcohol regularly and suddenly stop or changes their drinking, the brain may react and trigger a seizure
What are some treatments for alcohol withdrawal seizures?
Benzodiazepines such as diazepam
What is the assessment for a seizure?
• ABCD • history- head injury/infection • assess mouth/tongue, any incontinence • raised temp or rash • any arrhythmia
What is the management for seizures?
• CABCDE • high flow O2 15L/100% • lie patient down • loosen tight clothing • remove harmful objects • do not restrain movements • do not put anything in mouth • IV access • use own patient buccal midazolam • rectal diazepam • allow the to recover • take medication to hospital • Obs • ATMIST