Seizures are:
an abnormal, sudden, excessive discharge of electrical activity within the brain
Epilepsy is:
a disorder characterized by chronic seizure activity and indicates brain or CNS irritation
Causes of seizures:
- genetic factors
- trauma
- tumors
- circulatory/metabolic disorders
- toxicity
- infections
Status epilepticus invovles:
a rapid succession of epileptic spasms w/o intervals of consciousness
Status epilepticus is a potential complication:
that can occur with any type of seizure
Status epilepticus can cause:
brain damage
Types of seizures: 1
1. Generalized seizures
Types of seizures: 2
2. Partial seizures
Types of generalized seizures 1
1. Tonic-Clonic
Types of generalized seizures: 2
2. Absence
Types of generalized seizures: 3
3. Myodclonic
Types of generalized seizures: 4
4. Atonic/akinetic (drop attacks)
Types of Partial seizures: 1
1. Simple partial
Types of Partial seizures: 2
2. Complex partial
Tonic-clonic seizures (generalized) may being with:
an aura
The Tonic phase of a seizure involves:
- stiffening or rigidity of the muscles (arms/legs)
- last about 10-20 sec
- followed by loss of consciousness
The Clonic phase consists of:
- hyperventilation
- jerking of the extremities
- last approx. 30 sec
Full recovery from a Tonic-Clonic seizure may take:
several hours
Absence seizures (generalized) are:
- breif seizures/lasts seconds
- may/may not lose consciousness
- no loss/change in muscle tone
- may occur several times a day
- pt appears to be daydreaming
- most common in children
Myoclonic seizures (generalized) present as a:
- brief generalized jerking/stiffening of
extremities
- may fall to the ground from seizure
Atonic / Akinetic seizures (generalized - drop attack):
- a sudden momentary loss of muscle tone
- may fall to the ground from seizure
Simple Partial seizure produces:
- sensory symptoms w/ motor symptoms
- localized/confined to a specific area
- may produce an aura
- pt remains conscious
Complex Partial seizure is a:
psychomotor seizure
In a complex partial seizure, what is the area of the brain most involved?
The temporal love
Complex partial seizures are characterized by:
- periods of altered behavior (client is unaware)
- loss of consciousness (few seconds)
aura is a sensation that:
warns pt of impending seizure
What are prodromal signs of seizures:
- mood change
- irritability
- insomnia
Seizures can produce loss of:
- bladder
- bowel
- motor activity
- consciousness
Characteristics of the Postictal phase:
- impaired speech/thinking
- headache
- LOC
- sleepiness
Seizure Nursing Interventions:
- note time/duration of seizure
- place client of floor
- protect head/body
- support ABC's
- maintain patent airway
- administer O2
- prepare for suctioning
- turn pt on side (allow secretions to drain)
- encourage to avoid alcohol/ fatigue/strobe
lights