Seizures are the result of excessive and often repetitive neuronal firing or discharge within the brain. The symptoms that occur with the seizure depend on the nature and the location of the neuronal discharge. There is also a kindling phenomenon with seizures, in that the more frequent the neuronal discharge, the easier it is for it to recur. The more frequent the seizures, the more they will increase in frequency. Therefore, treatment is aimed at decreasing the frequency of neuronal discharge through modifying ion flow during the action potential and/or synaptic activity. Additionally, the type of seizure determines the pharmacotherapeutic approach.

The physiochemical activity associated with neuronal firing or discharge are the membrane changes described by the change in charges during the neuronal action potential. During the action potential, the neuron moves from a polarized state to a depolarized state. Once the neuron has depolarized it must repolarize. The changes result from a pattern of ion movement across the neuronal membrane.

With the occurrence of a simple partial seizure, the individual does not become unconscious. The seizure may consist of jerking movements on one side of the body or frightening unpleasant sensations.

Altered consciousness or impaired attention is the hallmark of a complex partial seizure. Other symptoms include staring, lip-smacking, and confused behavior.

Absence seizures were previously referred to as "petit mal seizures". These are brief seizures that are characterized by motionless staring.

Tonic clonic seizures including loss of consciousness and stiffness with rapid jerking of the limbs.

Pharmacotherapeutics

Assignment:

Select one type of seizure disorder and review the current pharmacotherapeutics for this disorder across the lifespan.

Email responses to: frizzell@lasalle.edu.

Ó JPFrizzell 1999