mashehabat@just.edu.jo
A seizure is a brief, temporary disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurring seizures (also known as seizure disorder)
Seizure types:
Generalized Absence Convulsive
Altered awareness Characterized by muscle contractions with or without loss of consciousness
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Seizure Triggers
Missed medication (#1 reason) Stress, anxiety Hormonal changes, Menses Dehydration Lack of sleep, extreme fatigue Photosensitivity Illicit Drug, alcohol use Certain Medications Fever in Some Children
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Types of Treatment
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Seizure Frequency
Seizure type/ Epilepsy syndrome Side effects & safety Patient age Ease of Use
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Tolerating Medications
Most Common Side Effects Rash Clumsiness Drowsiness Irritability Nausea
Side effects may be related to dose Care must be taken in discontinuing drug due to risk of seizure recurrence
Prolonged fever Rash, nausea/vomiting Severe sore throat Mouth ulcers Easy bruising Pinpoint bleeding Weakness Fatigue Swollen glands Lack of appetite Abdominal pain
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Epilepsy Surgery
Factors influencing decision Likelihood seizures are due to epilepsy Likelihood surgery will help Ability to identify focus of seizures Other treatments attempted, and seizures couldnt be treated with 2-3 medications Benefits vs risks
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Device is implanted to control seizures by delivering electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve in the neck, which relays impulses to widespread areas of the brain Used to treat partial seizures when medication does not work
Courtesy of Cyberonics Inc.
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Ketogenic Diet
Based on finding that starvation -- which burns fat for energy -- has an antiepileptic effect Used primarily to treat severe childhood epilepsy, has been effective in some adults & adolescents High fat, low carbohydrate and protein intake Usually started in hospital Requires strong family commitment
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Epilepsy in Women
Hormonal effects
Hormonal changes during puberty, menopause, and the monthly cycle may affect seizure frequency Polycystic ovary syndrome Sexual dysfunction Birth control pills may be less effective Need to continue medication Slight increased risk for birth defects
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Epilepsy is common in the elderly, and is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed Older people face increased treatment risks Maintaining independence is a challenge after the diagnosis of epilepsy
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About 1% of the general population develops epilepsy The risk is higher in people with certain medical conditions:
Balancing normal development and the special concerns of epilepsy Good parenting skills Childcare Effects on brothers and sisters Early childhood intervention services
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Handling feelings Family relationships Safety School and childcare Developmental stages
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Assuming responsibility Dealing with feelings Friends and social pressures School Driving Drinking Dating Employment
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Behavioral therapy
MedicAlert Foundation Social Security Administration Accreditation Council on Services for People with Disabilities US Dept of Education State Offices
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