Pathophysiology of Epilepsy
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This document summarizes the pathophysiology of seizures. It outlines predisposing factors like family history and precipitating factors like sensory stimuli. It then describes how an epileptogenic focus becomes hyperexcitable, leading to partial depolarization and neurotransmitter release. This lowers the seizure threshold and can be activated by precipitating factors, spreading abnormal electrical discharges between hemispheres. During the tonic phase, muscles stiffen and consciousness is lost. The clonic phase involves rapid muscle contractions and jerking. Finally, the post-ictal phase involves exhaustion and impaired coordination or consciousness.
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Pathophysiology of Epilepsy
- 1. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY PRECIPITATING FACTORS: PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Etiology: • Sensory stimuli: loud noises • Family History Altered integrity of or bright lights neuron in the • electrolyte imbalance epileptogenic focus Hyperexcitablity state of neurons in the epileptogenic focus Partial depolarization (high voltage electrical discharge) Partial stimulation of neurotransmitter molecules Imbalanced release in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters Lowered seizure threshold Activated by precipitating factors Abnormal spontaneous spread electrical discharges
- 2. Hyperexcitability of neurons in the brainstem causing disruption in the functions of the medulla, pons and midbrain Tonic Phase Spreads to both hemispheres Disruption in Alteration medullary in the activity thus activity of alteration in the pons. Alteration in the activity function of in the midbrain (connects respiratory and brain to spinal nerves) cardiovascular Musculature system stiffening( extr emities pulled Loss of consciousness toward body) and swallowing reflex Clonic phase: Cessation of cardiovascular and • Muscles will contract Inhibitory impulse starts respiratory activity and relax rapidly from the thalamus and causing apnea and interrupts the tonic phase cyanosis. • Violent, jerking into discontinuous bursts movements of electrical activity • Upward rolling of the eyeballs • Bowel and urine incontinence in some Post-ictal phase: Due to physical and nervous exhaustion, the patient may have/ will be: • Semiconscious • Poor coordination • Mild impairment of fine motor movements • Deep sleep