Be-"cause" of you, epilepsy
Correct medical terminology for low blood sugar
Hypoglycemia
Give 2 specific types of diets that can be used in the management of seizure disorders (including epilepsy).
Ketogenic diet & modified Atkins diet
Hallmark signs (2 of them) of status epilepticus
Continuous seizure for more than 5 min or rapidly occurring seizures without regaining consciousness
This type of diagnostic test requires the patient to remain NPO for 4-6 hrs. in preparation. Contrast medium may be infused via IV, which results in a longer test (about 60 minutes). The pt. may have a metallic taste in the mouth or flushing as the contrast is infused. If no contrast, the test takes about 20-30 min. The pt. must lie supine with the head immobilized in a head holder & the pt. must remain still throughout the test.
Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan) of head
This type of seizure most commonly occurs in childhood but ends in adolescence. The child stares off into space for several seconds. Very rarely, is consciousness lost & if so, it is extremely brief. All motor activity is stopped. What type of seizure is being described?
Absence Seizure (aka petit mal)
Medical terminology for no oxygen
Anoxia
The primary medical treatment for seizure activity
Anti-epileptics or anti-seizure medications (not curative, only management)
2 very undesirable end results of status epilepticus
Permanent neurological injury or death
This test uses magnetic forces to create high contrast images of soft tissue. The pt. must lie supine with the head in a head holder & will need to remain still. The pt. cannot have any metal implants or items on their person. The test takes about 45-60 min. The pt. will hear loud knocking noises & will need to wear ear plugs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
This type of seizure is not common. The individual becomes flaccid in a generalized manner. There is no muscle tone. The person may lose consciousness for a minute or two. May need a helmet for safety reasons. What type of seizure is being described?
Akinetic (aka atonic)
Medical terminology for inflammation/infection of brain
Encephalitis
Canada has a specific law on the use of this type of drug (sold in select stores in NB to persons over the age of 19) in the management of epilepsy. The US body of FDA, however, has only approved its use in 2 types epilepsy syndromes.
Cannabis
The main cause of status epilepticus
Failure to take medications or maintain a therapeutic level
This test measures the electrical activity of the brain. The pt. may be either required to rest prior to the procedure or may be required to be sleep-deprived. Electrodes are applied to the scalp for this procedure. This test takes about 1 hr.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
This type of seizure occurs most often in the elderly & in those with a structural brain disease. The characteristics of the seizure depend on the site of focus in the brain. Usually begins in the hands, feet, or face with numbness & tingling. Can conclude after tonic-clonic seizure. What type of seizure is being described?
Medical terminology for inflammation/infection of the protective coverings of the brain
Meningitis
A surgical procedure used to remove the small part of the brain that is misfiring & causing the seizures.
Resection
2 most common age groups for status epilepticus
Very young children & older adults
This test is done to identify intradural or extradural spinal cord lesions, such as a herniated intravertebral disc or spinal tumor. The procedure takes about 2 hrs. The pt. may experience some discomfort as the dura is entered. The pt. will be required to change positions throughout the procedure. Water soluble iodine dyes are used. The pt. may experience a severe headache following the procedure.
Myelogram
This type of seizure has autonomic signs known as automatisms, which can include lip smacking, shivering & repetitive movements that may not be appropriate. If they were counting change or folding laundry before the seizure, they may continue to do so. It can occur at any age. The pt. may experience starring episodes but they are long & there is a change in awareness. Often, the person appears intoxicated. The pt. may be violent or may expose themselves inappropriately. Urinary incontinence can occur.
Psychomotor(aka partial seizures)
Medical terminology for a mass in the brain (can be benign or malignant)
Brain tumor
This is CN X stimulation. CN X is the longest nerve connecting the brain to the rest of the body. Intermittent stimulation is thought to reduce or prevent seizures.
Vagus nerve stimulator (implanted device).
Your #1 priority if you find a pt. experiencing status epilepticus
Activate Emergency Response System
In this test, the pt. receives an injection of deoxyglucose & radioactive fluorine. A color composite image is formed which shows shades of color for glucose metabolism, with abnormal levels suggesting a pathological disease. This can be used for epilepsy, stroke or Alzheimer's dementia, along with other conditions. The pt. will need to remain still for 45 minutes for this test.
Positron Emission Tomography Scan (PET Scan)
The most common type of seizure. There is a loss of consciousness, with a period of stiffening & apnea. There is also a phase of jerking movements of the limbs. There can be vocal sounds, including crying & incontinence. What type of seizure is being described?
Tonic-clonic (aka grand mal)