Tobias Milz

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

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

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

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

 Goal: no seizures ↓ drug side effects 60-80% patients obtain good seizure control

 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)

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

 Speckmann Physiologie   