Fun Facts!
What percentage of adults living with epilepsy are affected by flashing lights?
a) up to 3%
b) up to 10%
c) up to 33%
up to 3%
What birth defects can be seen with some anti-epileptic medications?
Neural tube defects
Congenital heart defects
Cleft palate/lip
Neurodevelopmental disorders or delay
25M brought in by ambulance to ED having a seizure. Started 6 minutes ago, ambulance crew have cannulated but not given any medication yet. What should you prescribe?
Lorazepam 4mg IV
Name as many anti-epileptic medications as you can in 30seconds
0 points for 1
25 points for 2-3
50 points for 4
100 points for 5+
How many people in the UK have epilepsy?
a)100,000
b) 500,000
c) 600,000
600,000
I commonly cause hyponatraemia
Carbamazepine
18F seen in neurology clinic after having 2 tonic-clonic seizures in the community. You decide to start anti-epileptic treatment what will you prescribe?
Lamotrigine or Levetiracetam
Which anti-epileptics are safe in pregnancy? (choose two)
Lamotrigine
Levetiracetam
Who was the first person to link epilepsy to the brain?
a) Hippocrates
b) Dr Robert Bentley Todd
c) Hans Berger
Hippocrates
What are the common side effects of anti-epileptic medications? (choose 4)
Fatigue
Headaches
GI upset
Dizziness
24M on sodium valproate for generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Tells you in routine follow up that he and his wife want to have a baby. What do you advise?
a) go for it - there's no risk to the baby
b) to switch medication then he can start planning for a family
c) switch medication but continue to use effective contraception for 3months before he can plan for a family
c - must continue to use contraception for 3 months after cessation of valproate before trying for a family, to minimise risk to baby
Name three anti-epileptics that might be used in generalised tonic-clonic seizures first line
Sodium valproate
Lamotrigine
Levetiracetam
Which famous singer sang "The Sacrifice of Victor" about his experiences with epilepsy as a child?
a) Elton John
b) Freddie Mercury
c) Prince
Prince
I am a rare but serious side effect of carbamazepine which can lead to increased risk of infections
Agranulocytosis (severe neutropenia)
32F who has a history of myoclonic seizures managed well on first line treatment. What will she be prescribed?
Levetiracetam
I am first line treatment for absence seizures
Ethosuximide
Which historical figure was known to have epilepsy?
a) Cleopatra
b) Julius Caesar
c) William Shakespeare
Julius Caesar
I must be titrated slowly to reduce risk of skin rash and Steven Johnson Syndrome (2 answers)
Lamotrigine
Carbamazepine
15M who presented with multiple episodes of brief loss of responsiveness/awareness. No motor symptoms, episodes last seconds. He is prescribed an anti-epileptic medication for these episodes but when he is reviewed later in the week his family report worsening of these absent episodes with increased frequency and duration. What medication has caused this?
Carbamazepine
Which anti-epileptic drugs are enzyme inducers? (choose 4)
Carbamazepine
Phenytoin
Topiramate
Phenobarbital