This report will provide a comprehensive overview on epilepsy.
Epilepsy is defined as a brain disorder which occurs when neurons convey abnormal signals owing to interruptions in the process of generating electrochemical impulses. Ordinarily, neurons operate in a highly coordinated order to produce human feelings, thoughts and actions. This neuronal activity is impaired in epileptic conditions in which strange behavior, sensations and emotions occur leading to muscle spasms, convulsions or even loss of consciousness.
In practice, epilepsy is characterized by seizures in which neurons fire signals repeatedly. It is reported that during a seizure, the neural system can produce more than 500 signals within a second, and this attributable to the abnormal activity of the nerve clusters in the brain.
Historically, epilepsy is known as the oldest mental illness to be identified by man. It dates back to 400 B.C when Hippocrates described it as a brain disorder. Currently, epilepsy has become an enormous challenge to the global public healthcare because it is not curable. This implies that, the management of epilepsy poses challenge to physicians although surgery techniques and medicines help in controlling seizures in 80 percent of epileptic patients. It is estimated that 2.5 million individuals in the US have been diagnosed with epilepsy. However, experiencing a single seizure does not necessarily suggest epilepsy. This is why a comprehensive diagnosis is required in determining epilepsy and the different forms of seizures, in order to adopt the most appropriate treatment option.
At a glance
- Grade: 1.2 (1.0 is the best grade)
- Discusses seven monotherapy drugs, including clonazepam, lamotrigine and gabapentin
- Describes 2013 epilepsy management guidelines in Australia
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Pathophysiology of Epilepsy
4. Partial Seizures
5. Generalized Seizures
6. First Aid Care During and After a Seizure
7. Drug Therapy
8. Principles of Anticonvulsant Therapy
9. Monotherapy Medications
10. Clonazepam
11. Lamotrigine
12. Gabapentin
13. Phenytoin
14. Sodium Valproate
15. Phenobarbital
16. Oxcarbazepine
17. Major Adverse Affects of Medications
18. Therapeutic Index of Anti-Epileptic Drugs
19. Recent Changes in Medical Care in Australia
20. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This report aims to develop an understanding of epilepsy, especially its causes, pathophysiology and treatment. It considers how seizures are classified and managed, including first aid, medication and clinical care in Australia.
- Etiology and neurological mechanisms of epilepsy
- Partial and generalized seizures
- First aid during and after a seizure
- Anticonvulsant therapy and monotherapy medications
- Adverse effects and therapeutic indices
- Epilepsy management guidelines in Australia
Excerpt from the Book
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures are different from partial seizures in that, they begin all over the brain, and this is why they are described as generalized. Some of the most common generalized seizures include tonic-clonic seizures, myoclonic seizures, atonic seizures, absence seizures, and tonic seizures (Goldenberg, 2010).
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, also referred to as grand mal seizures are among the group of generalized seizures, which causes considerable alteration of the child’s level of consciousness. Grand mal seizures are known to be the most prevalent of all generalized seizures (Friedman & Sharieff, 2006).
Ordinarily, generalized tonic-clonic seizures are not localized to one side of the brain as it is the case with other forms of seizures. These seizures occur among children, usually in five distinct phases although the most conspicuous phases are the clonic and the postictal phases. The first phase involves the contraction of the child’s body and the limbs, followed by the extension period in which the body straightens. The third phase is characterized with tremor, in which the child experiences rhythmic shaking and, the third phase, which is referred to as the clonic period, involves contraction and relaxation of the body muscles, characterized with continuous twitching of the limb and eye muscles. The postictal period is usually characterized with body aches, fatigue, severe headache and vision impairment. In general, generalized tonic-clonic seizures are believed to have a sudden onset but, they do not cause sensory or motor aura.
Absence seizures occur without warning signs, and they are rare. These seizures last for less that fifteen seconds and they are characterized by motionless stare (Goldenberg, 2010). It is reported that patients experiencing absence seizures regain alertness after the cessation of the seizure.
Myoclonic seizures are caused by abnormal neuronal activity in the brain stem in which muscle tone is increased. They are characterized by muscle jerking. Patients with myoclonic seizures experience changes in muscle tone. This type of seizures is related to atonic seizures, and they originate from the same brain location. In atonic seizures, muscles tend to go limp and the patient may crumble to the ground owing to the dramatic decrease of muscle tone (Goldenberg, 2010).
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: The author outlines the report’s aim and summarizes its discussion of epilepsy, seizures and treatment.
Introduction: This section defines epilepsy, introduces its history and discusses factors associated with its onset.
Pathophysiology of Epilepsy: The author describes ictogenesis and epileptogenesis and introduces the classification of seizures.
Partial Seizures: This section distinguishes simple from complex partial seizures by their relationship to consciousness.
Generalized Seizures: The report describes several generalized seizure types and their associated manifestations.
First Aid Care During and After a Seizure: This section describes measures intended to protect and support a person during and after a seizure.
Drug Therapy: The author outlines the goals of antiepileptic drug treatment.
Principles of Anticonvulsant Therapy: This section discusses factors in treatment decisions and the monitoring of seizures and adverse effects.
Monotherapy Medications: The author introduces single-drug treatment and names seven medications discussed in the report.
Clonazepam: This section describes indications and dosages for clonazepam.
Lamotrigine: The report discusses lamotrigine’s uses, mechanism and dosage.
Gabapentin: This section describes the use and administration of gabapentin for partial seizures.
Phenytoin: The author discusses phenytoin’s indications, mechanism and dosing.
Sodium Valproate: This section describes sodium valproate’s indications, dosing and plasma concentrations.
Phenobarbital: The report covers phenobarbital’s uses, action and administration.
Oxcarbazepine: This section discusses oxcarbazepine for partial seizures and its administration in monotherapy.
Major Adverse Affects of Medications: The author lists adverse effects associated with several antiepileptic medications.
Therapeutic Index of Anti-Epileptic Drugs: This section introduces therapeutic indices and provides examples for different drugs.
Recent Changes in Medical Care in Australia: The report describes Australian epilepsy management guidelines released in 2013.
Conclusion: The author recaps the discussion of causes, mechanisms, seizure types and management.
Keywords
epilepsy, seizures, etiology, pathophysiology, ictogenesis, epileptogenesis, partial seizures, generalized seizures, first aid, antiepileptic drugs, monotherapy, adverse effects, therapeutic index, Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the report about?
It discusses epilepsy and the management of seizures, from underlying mechanisms to first aid and drug treatment.
What are its central topics?
The main topics include the causes and pathophysiology of epilepsy, seizure types, medication, adverse effects and clinical care.
What is the report’s primary objective?
Its stated aim is to develop an understanding of epilepsy, particularly its etiology, pathophysiology and treatment approaches.
What research method does the author use?
The author describes researching existing information on epilepsy. The report cites published sources but does not describe an original survey or experiment.
What does the main body cover?
It covers seizure mechanisms and types, first aid, anticonvulsant therapy, individual medications, adverse effects and Australian care guidelines.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include epilepsy, ictogenesis, epileptogenesis, partial seizures, generalized seizures, monotherapy and antiepileptic drugs.
How does the report distinguish partial and generalized seizures?
It describes partial seizures as localized to a specific brain area and generalized seizures as beginning across the brain.
Which monotherapy medications does the report discuss?
It discusses clonazepam, lamotrigine, gabapentin, phenytoin, sodium valproate, phenobarbital and oxcarbazepine.
What Australian guidance does the report address?
It describes epilepsy management guidelines released in 2013, including initial support and acute management measures.
- Quote paper
- Patrick Kimuyu (Author), 2018, Epilepsy Management. An Overview, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/388405
