EPILEPSY

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EPILEPSY
Tobias Milz
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SEIZURES

• synchronous, high frequency
• discharge of neurons from cortical or
• subcortical centres
• sudden change in behavior characterized by
  changes in sensory perception or motor activity

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Non-epileptic seizures

• result of extreme metabolic disturbance
• sedative/hypnotic drug withdrawal
• meningitis, CVA
• renal failure
• fever (children)

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Epileptic seizures - EPILEPSY

• recurrent seizures without a reversible metabolic
  cause that may include repetitive muscle jerking
  (convulsions)
• genetic (autosomal dominant genes)
• severe head injury
• ischemic injury, tumour

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EPILEPSY - Types

• Partial (focal)
• Simple - motor or sensory - remain conscious
• Complex - impairment of consciousness
• Generalised
• spreads to both hemispheres
• loss of consciousness
• gt 30 min (may be life threatening)

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THERAPY

• Goal
• no seizures
• ? drug side effects
• 60-80 patients obtain good seizure control

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THERAPY

• ACTIONS OF ANTISEIZURE DRUGS
• Suppress discharge of neurons in seizure
  (suppress propagation of seizure activity)
• Mechanisms of action
• block voltage-gated Na channels from return to
  activated state (? rapid repetitive neuronal
  firing)
• block T-type Ca2 channels that control
  oscillatory responses in thalamic neurons
• enhance the effect of inhibitory neurotransmitter
  GABA (open Cl- channels)

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THERAPY Side Effects

• USE OF ANTISEIZURE DRUGS
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Ataxia (loss of coordinate muscular movement)
• Diplopia (double vision)

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Sources

• Speckmann Physiologie
• www.wikipedia.de/com
• www.answers.com
• www.dict.cc

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• Thank you for your attention!!!