Grand Rounds Diagnosis Project By: Madison Pierce

Case 3: Raymond 10 year old boy ◦ Symptoms:  Overly aggressive and angry  Attributed to his parents divorce  Shaking  Convulsions  Took a fall  Unpleasant odor?

Generalized Seizures Electrical disturbances occur all over the brain. Triggers: ◦ Bright lights ◦ Lack of sleep ◦ Overstimulation  Laser Tag all night long?

Diagnosis: Epilepsy Type of seizure experienced: Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure Symptoms match up - ◦ “Aura” ◦ Muscle contractions ◦ Loss of consciousness ◦ Loss of memory of the incident

About Epilepsy Changes in brain tissue cause them to be “jumpy” and “excited”, causing the brain to send out abnormal signals. Neurons misfire and the brain’s normal electrical pattern is disrupted, causing a temporary miscommunication between nerve cells, hence “losing control” of your body.

Possible Brain Regions Affected Amygdala – controls emotions Frontal Lobe – controls reasoning, rationality, and also memory. Brain Stem – little sleep Cerebellum & Motor Cortex – controls muscle coordination and movement. Hypothalamus – unpleasant odor

Prognosis Epilepsy is not especially life threatening. Some children can even out grow it. ◦ Suggestions:  Limit exposure to bright and flashing lights.  Get enough sleep  Always wear helmets while playing sports or participating in other physical activities to prevent further injury.  If seizures worsen, don’t drive.

Career Help Neurologist: ◦ Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders.  Could help Raymond understand what’s happening in his brain and how to prevent it. Nurse ◦ Help prep before Raymond would see the neurologist. ◦ Relate to Raymond

Works Cited h/PMH / h/PMH / y/epilepsy.htm y/epilepsy.htm sy.html sy.html