NUR 326 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Medical Identification Tag, Cerebrovascular Disease, Absence Seizure
18 May 2020
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Seizures are abnormal electrical discharges from cerebral neurons, characterized by the loss or disturbance of consciousness, usually by a convulsion. A convulsion is an involuntary paroxysmal muscular contraction. 75% of seizures are primary, or idiopathic (of unknown cause). Anticonvulsant drugs stabilize nerve cell membranes and suppress the abnormal electric impulses in the cerebral cortex. These drugs prevent seizures but do not eliminate the cause or provide a cure. Anticonvulsants are classified as central nervous system (cns) depressants. Seizure medications in general have similar side effects slurred speech, confusion, ataxia, and slow motor coordination: these typically go away once patient is on therapy for weeks. Indication: to prevent tonic-clonic (grand mal) and complex partial seizures: reduces motor cortex activity by altering transport of ions inhibits sodium influx. Side effects: dizziness, confusion, decreased coordination, ataxia, slurred speech, hypotension (after. Adverse effects: leukopenia, depression, gingival hyperplasia, gingivitis oral care is important.
