2 Seizures and Status Epilepticus Free Online FlashCards

What seizure type may cause staring, lip movements, and later memory loss?

A focal seizure with impaired consciousness; behavioral arrest and automatisms such as lip movements can occur.

What seizure type may cause brief staring followed by immediate resumption without confusion?

A generalized absence seizure is likely. Brief staring alone does not confirm the diagnosis; clinical assessment and often EEG help distinguish other causes.

At what duration should a convulsive seizure be treated as status epilepticus?

Treat a convulsive seizure lasting 5 minutes or more as an emergency concern for convulsive status epilepticus.

What are key immediate priorities during active convulsions?

Call for help, time the seizure, protect from injury, and assess and support airway, breathing, and circulation.

What two actions should a bystander avoid during a convulsion?

Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth.

What care is appropriate when someone is drowsy and confused after a convulsion?

Stay with the patient, keep them safely positioned, check breathing and injuries, and reassess responsiveness. Reassure them calmly.

What should be done if someone remains unusually difficult to awaken after convulsions?

Seek urgent medical assessment. Persistent impaired responsiveness may reflect a prolonged postictal state, ongoing nonconvulsive seizure activity, or another emergency; urgent evaluation and EEG may be needed.

What two features help assess consciousness during a focal seizure?

Assess both awareness and responsiveness to determine whether consciousness is impaired.

What is the concern when convulsions recur without recovery of consciousness?

Repeated convulsions without regaining consciousness between them are a concern for convulsive status epilepticus.

What monitoring and checks are appropriate during acute seizure management?

Monitor oxygenation and vital signs, check bedside glucose, and obtain IV access if feasible.

What medication class is used promptly as first-line treatment for convulsive status epilepticus?

Give a benzodiazepine promptly under the applicable emergency protocol. If seizures continue, escalate to a second-line antiseizure medication and appropriate critical-care support.

How can a bystander reduce injury risk during a convulsion?

Move nearby hazards, cushion the head if possible, and turn the person onto their side when safe. Stay with them and time the seizure.