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Flashcards in Chapter 8 Deck (16)
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1
Q

What is a seizure?

A

Temporary episode of behavior alteration due to massive abnormal electrical discharges in one or more areas of the brain.
Cerebral function characterized by spontaneous, electric discharges from collections of neurons in the cerebral cortex

2
Q

The electrical activity in the brain may be recorded by what device?

A

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

3
Q

What are some events that may cause seizures in the dental setting?

A

Hypoglycemia
Hypoxia secondary to syncope
Local anesthetic toxicity
Epilepsy

4
Q

True or False

Approximately half of all seizures are idiopathic or “without known cause”

A

True

5
Q

What is epilepsy?

A

Chronic, recurrent, attacks of involuntary behavior or changes in neurological function, with each episode classified as a seizure.

6
Q

True or False

Epilepsy is a common disorder that affects approximately 3 million persons in the United States.

A

True

7
Q

True or False

A seizure is not a disease but a symptom of underlying central nervous system dysfunction.

A

True

8
Q

What are the two categories of seizures?

A

Primary/unprovoked (idiopathic seizures)

Secondary/provoked (acute symptomatic seizures)

9
Q

True or False

Primary epilepsy compromises about 65% of seizure disorders and is believed to have a genetic predisposition.

A

True

10
Q

What are some disorders that may cause secondary or provoked seizures?

A
Electrolyte imbalances
Hypoglycemia
Hypoxia
Hypocalcemia
Uremia
Alkalosis
Ingestion of toxins
Rapid withdrawal of addictive drugs
Injury to the CNS (congenital and perinatal infections, trauma, hypoxia during delivery)
11
Q

What are some medications known to be epileptogenic (seizure provoking)?

A

Penicillin
Hypoglycemic agents
Local anesthetics
Phenothiazines

12
Q

True or False

Tumors or other space-occupying lesions of the CNS are the most common cause of acquired secondary seizures in the 35-50 year age group, and seizures are the initial symptom of 40% of these patients.

A

True

13
Q

True or False

Any disease that impairs blood flow to the brain can provoke a seizure.

A

True

14
Q

What is photosensitive epilepsy?

A

Cause of seizures in children and adults exposed to flickering lights or geometric patterns of video games.

15
Q

True or False

After the underlying disease is treated, the aim of treatment is to control the seizures with the least disruption in the patient’s life and the fewest side effects.

A

True

16
Q

True or False

Drug therapy will completely eliminate seizures in one-third of patients and greatly reduce the frequency of seizures in another third.

A

True