Seizure Causes (Epilepsy, Generalized)
You're watching a preview. 300,000+ students are watching the full lesson.
Master
To Master a topic you must score > 80% on the lesson quiz.
Take Quiz
Included In This Lesson
Study Tools For Seizure Causes (Epilepsy, Generalized)
Seizure Causes (Mnemonic)
Seizure Pathochart (Cheatsheet)
Generalized Seizure (Image)
NURSING.com students have a 99.25% NCLEX pass rate.
Outline
Overview
- Abrupt, abnormal, excessive, uncontrolled electrical activity in neurons of the brain
- Types
- Generalized – both hemispheres
- Tonic-clonic
- Stiffening (contraction)
- Jerking/Twitching
- Loss of Consciousness
- Absence
- Stare off into space
- Unaware of surroundings
- Last <30 seconds
- Tonic – Contraction/Tensing of muscles
- Clonic – Jerking/Twitching
- Myoclonic – sudden jerk of muscles
- Atonic
- All muscles suddenly go limp
- High fall risk
- Tonic-clonic
- Focal – Localized – one hemisphere
- Simple
- Twitching or sensory changes
- Patient remains conscious
- Complex
- Twitching or outbursts (laugh or cry)
- Patient loses consciousness/awareness
- Simple
- Generalized – both hemispheres
- Status epilepticus
- Persistent seizure activity
- No break between episodes
- Medical Emergency
Nursing Points
General
- Causes
- Genetics – Epilepsy
- Intracranial
- Head Trauma
- Brain Tumor
- Cerebral Bleeding
- Cerebral Edema
- Stroke
- Systemic
- Drug Toxicity
- Infection
- Acute Febrile State
- Hyper/Hyponatremia
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Deficiency
- Status Epilepticus
- Exacerbation
- Change in medication
- Acute illness/injury
Unlock the Complete Study System
Used by 300,000+ nursing students. 99.25% NCLEX pass rate.
- Full lesson outlines
- NCLEX simulator (SIMCLEX)
- 6,500+ practice questions
- 2,000+ lesson videos
- 300+ cheatsheets
200% NCLEX Pass Guarantee.
No Contract. Cancel Anytime.
Transcript
We discussed the various types of seizures in the module intro, so we want to review quickly what the possible causes are. The most important thing here is that you recognize that when someone HAS one of these conditions, they are at RISK for seizures and treat them appropriately.
Seizures or seizure disorders can be caused by nonmodifiable risk factors like genetics, age, family history, or prenatal injuries like hypoxia. We’ll also see conditions within the brain itself as well as within the rest of the body that can contribute to a patient’s risk for seizures. Let’s look at those conditions a little closer.
The reality is that any condition that affects the brain and the neurons can cause seizures. This includes things like head trauma like concussions or a car accident. Also things like brain tumors or bleeding on the brain, as well as any kind of swelling within the brain tissue. And then of course strokes can lead to short-circuits in the neurons that cause some to begin firing erratically.
Now, there are other conditions within the body that can contribute to a patient developing seizures. One of those is drug toxicity or withdrawal. We see this a lot with heroin or alcohol withdrawal. Also, infections like meningitis can irritate neurons and patients with high fevers are also at risk. I actually had a patient once who was an inmate at a Texas prison in the summer – he wasn’t allowed inside and his temperature got up to over 106 – they brought him in because he started having seizures. We also see seizures with thiamine deficiencies. And finally one of the big ones is alterations in sodium levels, both high and low. *click* Remember that the amount of sodium within the vessels can cause fluid to shift. If sodium is high, fluid shifts into the vessels and out of the cells, we see cellular dehydration. If sodium is low, fluid shifts out of the vessels and into the cells, causing them to swell. Both of those scenarios can cause the patient to have a seizure – so we try to regulate sodium levels to that very narrow 135-145 window.
Remember that Status Epilepticus is a state of persistent, nonstop seizure activity. When you think status I want you to think of an exacerbation. Something is going wrong that is making their seizure condition worse. It could be that they had a change in medication and it wasn’t therapeutic enough or even that they haven’t been taking it. Or it could be that they had some sort of acute injury or illness – either way, think exacerbation.
So to recap – seizures could be caused by nonmodifiable risk factors like age, family history, or genetics, but often times there’s some sort of condition going on that is causing the problem. It could be intracranial like a head injury, brain tumor, cerebral edema, or a stroke. Or, it could be a systemic condition like an infection, hyper or hyponatremia, or drug toxicity. Knowing these things can help us identify patients who are at risk. And again, remember that status epilepticus is like an exacerbation – something isn’t right – maybe because of a medication issue or some sort of illness or injury.
Keep working through the Seizure module to learn more about assessment, therapeutic management, and nursing care for patients with seizures. Happy nursing!
Study Faster with Full Video Transcripts
99.25% NCLEX Pass Rate vs 88.8% National Average
- Full lesson outlines
- NCLEX simulator (SIMCLEX)
- 6,500+ practice questions
- 2,000+ lesson videos
- 300+ cheatsheets
200% NCLEX Pass Guarantee.
No Contract. Cancel Anytime.
🎉 Special Offer 🎉
Nursing School Doesn't Have To Be So Hard
Go from discouraged and stressed to motivated and passionate
My Study Plan
Concepts Covered:
- Upper GI Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
- Medication Administration
- Disorders of the Posterior Pituitary Gland
- Respiratory Disorders
- Female Reproductive Disorders
- Neurologic and Cognitive Disorders
- Shock
- Cardiac Disorders
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Urinary Disorders
- Pregnancy Risks
- Disorders of Pancreas
- Liver & Gallbladder Disorders
- Hematologic Disorders
- Nervous System
- Substance Abuse Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Dosage Calculations
- Urinary System
- Learning Pharmacology
- Immunological Disorders
- Test Taking Strategies
- Prefixes
- Suffixes
- Bipolar Disorders
- Concepts of Population Health
- Factors Influencing Community Health
- Community Health Overview
- Trauma-Stress Disorders
- Cognitive Disorders
- Psychotic Disorders
- Somatoform Disorders
- EENT Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Trauma
- Integumentary Important Points
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Integumentary Disorders
- Disorders of the Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands
- Disorders of the Adrenal Gland
- Oncology Disorders
- Labor Complications
- Lower GI Disorders
- Central Nervous System Disorders – Brain
- Emergency Care of the Neurological Patient
- Neurological Emergencies
- Central Nervous System Disorders – Spinal Cord
- Noninfectious Respiratory Disorder
- Respiratory Emergencies
- Infectious Respiratory Disorder
- Vascular Disorders
- Emergency Care of the Cardiac Patient
- Circulatory System
- Postoperative Nursing
- Intraoperative Nursing
- Preoperative Nursing
- Eating Disorders
- Renal Disorders
- Infectious Disease Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Renal and Urinary Disorders
- EENT Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Hematologic Disorders
- Oncologic Disorders
- Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
- Integumentary Disorders
- Childhood Growth and Development
- Adulthood Growth and Development
- Prenatal Concepts
- Postpartum Complications
- Fetal Development
- Labor and Delivery
- Postpartum Care
- Newborn Care
- Newborn Complications
- Digestive System
- Tissues and Glands
- Concepts of Mental Health
- Health & Stress
- Fundamentals of Emergency Nursing
- Developmental Theories
- Prioritization
- Basics of NCLEX
- Communication
- Emotions and Motivation
- Delegation
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Basic
- Note Taking
- Studying
Study Plan Lessons
Proton Pump Inhibitors
SSRIs
TCAs
Vasopressin
Anti-Infective – Penicillins and Cephalosporins
Metronidazole (Flagyl) Nursing Considerations
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) Nursing Considerations
Vancomycin (Vancocin) Nursing Considerations
Nitro Compounds
NSAIDs
Parasympatholytics (Anticholinergics) Nursing Considerations
Hydralazine (Apresoline) Nursing Considerations
Magnesium Sulfate
Magnesium Sulfate
Insulin
MAOIs
Histamine 1 Receptor Blockers
Histamine 2 Receptor Blockers
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)
Corticosteroids
Diuretics (Loop, Potassium Sparing, Thiazide, Furosemide/Lasix)
Epoetin Alfa
Parasympathomimetics (Cholinergics) Nursing Considerations
Benzodiazepines
Calcium Channel Blockers
Cardiac Glycosides
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Sympathomimetics (Alpha (Clonodine) & Beta (Albuterol) Agonists)
Sympathomimetics (Alpha (Clonodine) & Beta (Albuterol) Agonists)
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) Inhibitors
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
Atypical Antipsychotics
Atypical Antipsychotics
Injectable Medications
Injectable Medications
IV Infusions (Solutions)
Complex Calculations (Dosage Calculations/Med Math)
Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System
Basics of Calculations
Dimensional Analysis Nursing (Dosage Calculations/Med Math)
Oral Medications
The SOCK Method – S
The SOCK Method – O
The SOCK Method – C
The SOCK Method – K
Essential NCLEX Meds by Class
6 Rights of Medication Administration
The SOCK Method – Overview
12 Points to Answering Pharmacology Questions
12 Points to Answering Pharmacology Questions
54 Common Medication Prefixes and Suffixes
Therapeutic Drug Levels (Digoxin, Lithium, Theophylline, Phenytoin)
Communicable Diseases
Disasters & Bioterrorism
Disasters & Bioterrorism
Cultural Care
Environmental Health
Technology & Informatics
Epidemiology
Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
Alcohol Withdrawal (Addiction)
Grief and Loss
Paranoid Disorders
Personality Disorders
Cognitive Impairment Disorders
Mood Disorders (Bipolar)
Depression
Schizophrenia
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Somatoform
Dissociative Disorders
Anxiety
Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration
Hearing Loss
Fractures
Cataracts
Integumentary (Skin) Important Points
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis (OA)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Osteoporosis
Burn Injuries
Pressure Ulcers/Pressure injuries (Braden scale)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Herpes Zoster – Shingles
Diabetes Management
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Hyperglycaemic Hyperosmolar Non-ketotic syndrome (HHNS)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hyperthyroidism
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hypothyroidism
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cushings Syndrome
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate antidiuretic Hormone Secretion)
Oncology Important Points
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Anaphylaxis
Addisons Disease
Blood Transfusions (Administration)
Leukemia
Lymphoma
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Thrombocytopenia
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Appendicitis
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Pancreatitis
Seizure Therapeutic Management
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Seizure
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Meningitis
Stroke Nursing Care (CVA)
Seizure Causes (Epilepsy, Generalized)
Seizure Assessment
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Ischemic Stroke (CVA)
Stroke Assessment (CVA)
Stroke Therapeutic Management (CVA)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Parkinsons
Adjunct Neuro Assessments
Intracranial Pressure ICP
Cerebral Perfusion Pressure CPP
Routine Neuro Assessments
Levels of Consciousness (LOC)
Levels of Consciousness (LOC)
Levels of Consciousness (LOC)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hemorrhagic Stroke (CVA)
Chest Tube Management
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Pneumonia
Artificial Airways
Airway Suctioning
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Influenza (Flu)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Tuberculosis (TB)
Lung Sounds
Alveoli & Atelectasis
Gas Exchange
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Asthma
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Distributive Shock
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Thrombophlebitis (clot)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hypovolemic Shock
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cardiogenic Shock
Pacemakers
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Hypertension (HTN)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cardiomyopathy
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Angina
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Heart Failure (CHF)
Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)
Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach)
Ventricular Fibrillation (V Fib)
Sinus Bradycardia
Sinus Tachycardia
Performing Cardiac (Heart) Monitoring
Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib)
Hemodynamics
Preload and Afterload
Normal Sinus Rhythm
Post-Anesthesia Recovery
Postoperative (Postop) Complications
Discharge (DC) Teaching After Surgery
Local Anesthesia
Moderate Sedation
Malignant Hyperthermia
Preoperative (Preop)Assessment
Preoperative (Preop) Education
Preoperative (Preop) Nursing Priorities
General Anesthesia
Ultrasound
Biopsy
Informed Consent
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Cerebral Angiography
Cardiovascular Angiography
Echocardiogram (Cardiac Echo)
X-Ray (Xray)
Computed Tomography (CT)
Glucose Lab Values
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C)
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Lab Values
Creatinine (Cr) Lab Values
Urinalysis (UA)
Coagulation Studies (PT, PTT, INR)
Albumin Lab Values
Cholesterol (Chol) Lab Values
Cholesterol (Chol) Lab Values
Ammonia (NH3) Lab Values
Hematocrit (Hct) Lab Values
White Blood Cell (WBC) Lab Values
Platelets (PLT) Lab Values
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Lab Values
Hemoglobin (Hbg) Lab Values
Chloride-Cl (Hyperchloremia, Hypochloremia)
Hypotonic Solutions (IV solutions)
Hypertonic Solutions (IV solutions)
Potassium-K (Hyperkalemia, Hypokalemia)
Sodium-Na (Hypernatremia, Hyponatremia)
Metabolic Alkalosis
Base Excess & Deficit
Isotonic Solutions (IV solutions)
ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) Interpretation-The Basics
Respiratory Acidosis (interpretation and nursing interventions)
Respiratory Alkalosis
Metabolic Acidosis (interpretation and nursing diagnosis)
ABGs Nursing Normal Lab Values
Varicella – Chickenpox
Pertussis – Whooping Cough
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Scoliosis
Rubeola – Measles
Mumps
Meningitis
Spina Bifida – Neural Tube Defect (NTD)
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Nephrotic Syndrome
Enuresis
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Defects of Increased Pulmonary Blood Flow
Defects of Decreased Pulmonary Blood Flow
Obstructive Heart (Cardiac) Defects
Mixed (Cardiac) Heart Defects
Asthma
Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Congenital Heart Defects (CHD)
Conjunctivitis
Acute Otitis Media (AOM)
Tonsillitis
Bronchiolitis and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Appendicitis
Intussusception
Constipation and Encopresis (Incontinence)
Vomiting
Pediatric Gastrointestinal Dysfunction – Diarrhea
Celiac Disease
Hemophilia
Nephroblastoma
Fever
Dehydration
Pediculosis Capitis
Burn Injuries
Sickle Cell Anemia
Growth & Development – School Age- Adolescent
Growth & Development – School Age- Adolescent
Eczema
Impetigo
Growth & Development – Infants
Growth & Development – Toddlers
Growth & Development – Preschoolers
Care of the Pediatric Patient
Vitals (VS) and Assessment
Menstrual Cycle
Fundal Height Assessment for Nurses
Gravidity and Parity (G&Ps, GTPAL)
Gestation & Nägele’s Rule: Estimating Due Dates
Family Planning & Contraception
Antepartum Testing
Discomforts of Pregnancy
Physiological Changes
Maternal Risk Factors
Gestational Diabetes (GDM)
Chorioamnionitis
Nutrition in Pregnancy
Gestational HTN (Hypertension)
Hydatidiform Mole (Molar pregnancy)
Ectopic Pregnancy
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Fetal Development
Infections in Pregnancy
Mechanisms of Labor
Process of Labor
Fetal Circulation
Fetal Environment
Placenta Previa
Prolapsed Umbilical Cord
Fetal Heart Monitoring (FHM)
Leopold Maneuvers
Precipitous Labor
Preterm Labor
Abruptio Placentae (Placental abruption)
Breastfeeding
Postpartum Discomforts
Postpartum Physiological Maternal Changes
Dystocia
Initial Care of the Newborn (APGAR)
Mastitis
Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)
Newborn Reflexes
Body System Assessments
Newborn Physical Exam
Transient Tachypnea of Newborn
Meconium Aspiration
Babies by Term
Newborn of HIV+ Mother
Hyperbilirubinemia (Jaundice)
Head to Toe Nursing Assessment (Physical Exam)
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Specialty Diets (Nutrition)
Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition (Diet, TPN)
Bowel Elimination
Pain and Nonpharmacological Comfort Measures
Hygiene
Intake and Output (I&O)
Patient Positioning
Complications of Immobility
Urinary Elimination
Defense Mechanisms
Abuse
Overview of Developmental Theories
Overview of Developmental Theories
Prioritization
Triage
Overview of the Nursing Process
Therapeutic Communication
Isolation Precaution Types (PPE)
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Nursing
Delegation
Fall and Injury Prevention
HIPAA
Brief CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Overview
Fire and Electrical Safety
Advance Directives
Legal Considerations
Drawing Pictures
Duplicate Facts
Repeating Words
Denying Feelings
NCLEX® Question Traps
Outline Question Method (Note taking)
Priority
Nursing Process
Acute vs Chronic
What do you want me to know?
Absolute Words
Opposites
Same
What is the NCLEX?
Anatomy of an NCLEX Question
SATA
Goal Setting
Critical Thinking
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Time Management
Study Setting