State of hyperactivity in either a section of the brain or all of the brain
Explain tonic clonic seizures.
Periods of muscle rigidity (tonic stage) followed by spazmotic twitching (clonic stage) then flaccidity & a gradual return to consciousness (postictal stage)
How do Na ion blockers work for seizure treatment?
They inhibit the influx of Na into the cell decreasing the cells ability to depolarize & propagate seizures
How do Ca ion blockers work for seizure treatment?
They inhibit influx of Ca in Ca channels in the hypothalmus
What are the 2 Na ion blockers used for seizure treatment?
Phentoin aka Dilantin
Carbamazapine aka Tegratol
What is the Ca ion blocker used for seizure treatment?
Valproic Acid
How do Benzos mitigate seizures?
They interact w/the GABA receptor-chloride ion channel complex. They hyperpolarize the membrane of the CNS neurons decreasing their response to stimuli
What factors could be used to differentiate between a seizure & a syncopal episode?
Hx of seizures
Head inj
Alcohol/drug abuse
Pt Meds
Fever/H/A/stiff neck
What are 4 points of seizure mgmt?
Safety of you & your pt
ABCs
Quiet Atmosphere
Meds
How do we manage status epilepticus?
ABCs
RPC
25g of D50 if hypoglycemic
5-10mg diazepam IV/PR
Monitor Airway
What are the 3 types of syncopal episodes?
Cardiovascular - Dysrhythmias/mechanical
Non cardiovascular
Idiopathic
How do we manage a syncopal episode?
BSI/Scene safety
RPC
Position of Comfort or trendelenberg if no C-Spine issue
What are the 7 levels of a tonic clonic seizure?
Aura
LOC
Tonic phase
Hypertonic phase
Clonic Phase
Post seizure
Postictal
What are the 2 types of partial seizures?
Simple partial
Complex partial
A simple partial seizure is described as:
One which effects only a small part of the brain & 1 part of the body
Ppl usually retain consciousness
Can progress to complex partial
A complex partial seizure is described as:
Bilat cerebral hemisphere involvement
Causes AMS/LOC
Often starts as a simple partial
What are the 2 classifications of strokes?
Ischemic
Hemorrhagic
Describe an ischemic stroke:
Blood supply to part of the brain is decreased causing dysfunction of brain tissue in that area
What are the four reasons why Ischemic strokes occur?
Thrombosis
Embolism
Systemic Hypoperfusion
Venous Thrombosis
Describe a hemorrhagic stroke:
One caused by an accumulation of blood anywhere within the skull vault