Seizures and Antiepileptic Drugs

Cards (44)

What is a seizure?
A sudden burst of abnormal brain activity
What characterizes a seizure?
Transient change in behavior and neuronal firing
What is epilepsy?
A tendency to have recurrent seizures
What are the key characteristics of epilepsy?
Recurring seizures and unprovoked episodes
What is epileptogenesis?
The process transforming normal neurons into hyper-excitable ones
What are the key characteristics of epileptogenesis?
Sequence of events leading to seizures
What is hyper-excitability in neurons?
Neurons become overly responsive to signals
What does hyper-synchrony refer to?
Large groups of neurons firing together abnormally
What happens when inhibition is lost in the brain?
Excitation is enhanced, leading to seizures
What role do ion channels play in seizures?
They regulate electrical activity in neurons
What is the function of sodium (Na⁺) channels?
Allow sodium ions to flow into the cell
How do calcium (Ca²⁺) channels function?
They trigger neurotransmitter release in neurons
What is the role of potassium (K⁺) channels?
They repolarize the cell by allowing potassium to exit
What is the function of glutamate?
It increases brain activity by depolarizing neurons
Why is the balance between GABA and glutamate important?
It prevents excessive neuronal firing and seizures
How are seizures classified?
Into generalized and partial (focal) types
What characterizes generalized seizures?
Widespread electrical activity in both hemispheres
What characterizes partial (focal) seizures?
Originates in a specific area of the cerebral cortex
What is the role of GABA?
It decreases brain activity by hyperpolarizing neurons
What is the role of anticonvulsant drugs?
They help control seizures by affecting electrical signals
How do sodium channel blockers work?
They prevent nerve cells from firing too quickly
How do calcium channel blockers function?
They calm electrical activity in the brain
How do GABA enhancers work?
They boost GABA's calming effect
How do glutamate antagonists function?
They reduce excessive excitatory signals
What is the mechanism of enhancing GABA inhibition?
Boosts GABA's calming effect in the brain
What is the mechanism of glutamate antagonism?
Reduces excessive excitatory signals in the brain
What is the mechanism of sodium channel blockade?
Prevents neurons from firing too quickly
What is the mechanism of calcium channel blockade?
Stabilizes neuronal firing
What is the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin?
Complex metabolism with high protein binding
What are the side effects of phenytoin?
Gingival hyperplasia and skin rashes
What is the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine?
Hepatic metabolism and induces enzymes
What are the side effects of carbamazepine?
Dizziness, skin rashes, and leukopenia
What is the pharmacokinetics of valproate?
Rapid absorption and binds to proteins
What are the side effects of valproate?
Hair loss, weight gain, and hepatotoxicity
What is the pharmacokinetics of ethosuximide?
Complete absorption with minimal protein binding
What are the side effects of ethosuximide?
Behavioral disturbances and photophobia
What is status epilepticus?
Continuous seizure activity lasting at least 30 minutes
What is the first step in managing status epilepticus?
Assess and manage ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation
What is the second step in managing status epilepticus?
Establish IV access for medication administration
What is the third step in managing status epilepticus?
Administer benzodiazepine IV over 5 minutes