Seizure PDF

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Summary

Seizures four square...

Description

Definition: What happens in body/organs involved?

SEIZURE A disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed/abnormal, recurrent episodes that may include convulsive seizure, sensory disturbances, abnormal behavior, and changes in level of consciousness.

Cause of the disease Several conditions may cause seizures: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Severe elevations in body temp Drug use Electrolyte imbalance Brain tumor Brian infection Epilepsy

Nursing Interventions Signs & Symptoms

 Seizures depend and vary on the area of the brain from which the seizure happens. There are different kinds of seizures that can occur.  Postictal period is after the patient has had the seizure and feels groggy and feels disoriented  Complaints of headache and muscle aches  Patient sleeps afterwards, and my might remember what happened  Repeated seizures can cause brain damage or death  Assess if aura preceded seizure PATIENT TEACHING:  Teach and explain need to continue meds  Inform pt to use medical alert bracelet  Caution pt to AVOID alcohol while taking anti-seizure med  Pts on Dilantin need good oral hygiene (side effect gingival hyperplasia)  Adequate rest and balanced diet  Until seizures are controlled, patients should avoid activities such as driving, operating machinery or swimming.

 Protect from aspiration and injury!  Observe and record the number of seizures with time, character and any behaviors noted and injuries suffered, pts movement, episodes of incontinent and cries or sounds and level of alertness.  Never leave the patient alone.  If the patient is sitting or standing, lower him/her to the floor to an area away from furniture and equipment.  Support and protect the head, turn the head to the side to maintain the airway.  Loosen restrictive clothing around the neck.  Do not restrain the patient.  Do not insert a padded tongue blade.  Padded side rails may be used, especially if seizures often occur during sleep.  After the seizure the patient may require suctioning and oxygen.

Medical Management:  Therapy is aimed at preventing seizures  Medication depends on the type of seizure see

 Stress importance of follow up care  Tonic-clonic seizure can be treated as first aid not necessary to send to hospital

TABLE 53-6  phenytoin sodium (Dilantin) Use- Generalized tonic-clonic, focal, psychomotor. Toxic effect- Ataxia, vomiting, nystagmus, drowsiness, rash, fever, gum hypertrophy, lymphadenopathy

Diagnostics test EEG, CT, MRI Surgery Resection-removal of small area of brain that is experiencing the misfiring & causing the seizures....