EPILEPSY

EPILEPSY minor muscle twitches and eye

Is a group of chronic syndromes blinking
characterized by recurrent seizures with o Myoclonic seizures rhythmic
periods of consciousness jerking spasms
SEIZURE o Atonic seizure sudden loss of
Is an abnormal synchronized electrical muscle tone
depolarization of neurons in the CNS o Febrile (infantile) seizures
Is accompanied by characteristic changes STATUS EPILEPTICUS
in the EEG (electroencephalogram) Is a condition in which patients experience
Major Causes recurrent episodes of tonic-clonic seizures
Idiopathic without regaining consciousness
CNS infections DRUGS EFFECTIVE IN TONIC-CLONIC SEIZURE
Fever GRAND MAL AND
Metabolic defects
Cerebral trauma
CATEGORIES OF SEIZURES
a. Partial (focal) seizures
b. Partial seizure with secondary
generalization
c. Primarily generalized seizures
PARTIAL (FOCAL) SEIZURES
Arise in one cerebral hemispheres
o Simple partial seizure (Jacksonian
epilepsy)
Loses voluntary control of
the affected parts of the
body but no alteration of
consciousness
Consisting of repetitive
jerking of a particular
muscle group which
spreads, involving much of
the body within about 2
minutes before dying out
o Complex partial seizure
(Psychomotor epilepsy)
Altered consciousness,
automatisms (rubbing or
patting movements), and
behavioral changes
(dressing, walking, or hair-
combing)
Partial seizure with secondary generalized
seizure
o Focal seizures become generalized
and is accompanied by loss of
consciousness
GENERALIZED SEIZURES
Arise in both cerebral hemispheres
accompanied by loss of consciousness
o Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure
increased muscle tone, followed by
spasms of muscle contraction and
relaxation
o Absence (petit mal) seizures a
brief loss of consciousness, with