Neurology — Flashcards

Flashcard 241: Following an epileptic seizure, the patient is generally restricted from driving for _____.

Answer: 12 months

Flashcard 242: Localised symptoms / aura to generalised tonic-clonic = _____ seizure

Answer: focal to bilateral tonic clonic

Flashcard 243: What is the first step in management of a patient with a first-time seizure that is actively seizing? _____

Answer: Manage ABCs THEN abort the seizure if > 5 minutes THEN assess VITAMINS

Flashcard 244: What investigation may be used in epilepsy to investigate possible underlying structural abnormalities? _____

Answer: MRI

Flashcard 245: Epileptic patients should be reviewed at least _____ if they have a learning disability, drug-resistant epilepsy, ↑ risk of SUDEP, & more

Answer: once a year

Flashcard 246: Absence seizures anti-epileptic drugs 1st-line: _____ 2nd-line (alternatives): Valproate or Lamotrigine

Answer: Ethosuximide

Extra: Ethosuximide is the drug of choice for pure absence seizures. It works by blocking T-type Ca2+ channels in the thalamus. Valproate is the preferred alternative, especially if there are concomitant generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Flashcard 247: "Zoning out" blank stare for < 10 seconds with subtle lip-smacking & eye fluttering = _____ seizures

Answer: absence

Flashcard 248: What is the abortive management for status epilepticus? _____

Answer: Benzodiazepine

Flashcard 249: Sudden, muscle stiffening lasting <1min occuring when the patient is drowsy, asleep, or after waking with rapid recovery = _____ seizures

Answer: tonic

Flashcard 250: What is the most appropriate step in the management of an active seizure in a patient with epilepsy? _____

Answer: Manage ABCs THEN abort the seizure if > 5 minutes THEN assess therapeutic drug levels THEN assess VITAMINS and get EEG