MED SURG EXAM

MED SURG EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE SEIZURE DISORDERS  Seizure - Paroxysmal, uncontrolled electrical discharge of neurons in the brain, interrupting normal function - May accompany other disorders or occur spontaneously wi ...

MED SURG EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE SEIZURE DISORDERS  Seizure - Paroxysmal, uncontrolled electrical discharge of neurons in the brain, interrupting normal function - May accompany other disorders or occur spontaneously without an apparent cause - Seizures resulting from metabolic disturbances aren’t considered epilepsy if seizures cease when underlying condition is treated - Metabolic disturbances associated with seizures include o Acidosis o Electrolyte imbalances o Hypoglycemia o Hypoxemia o Alcohol or barbiturate withdrawal o Dehydration or water intoxication - Extracranial diseases associated with seizures o Heart o Lung o Liver o Kidneys - Extracranial disorders associated with seizures o Hypertension o Systemic lupus erythematosus o Diabetes mellitus o Septicemia  Epilepsy - Condition in which a person has spontaneously recurring seizures caused by underlying chronic conditions - New cases of epilepsy are more common in African Americans and in socially disadvantaged populations - Males are slightly more likely to develop epilepsy than females - People at high risk to develop epilepsy include those with Alzheimer’s disease or those who have had a stroke - The risk is also increased in a person who has a parent who has epilepsy - Incidence is increasing in older adults o People are living longer o Metabolic instability  Greater potential for comorbidities  Use of medications leads to potential for chemical instabilities and seizure activity - Etiology and pathophysiology o Common causes  Birth injury  Infection  Trauma  Genetic factors  Brain trauma  Vascular disorder