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Partial Seizures In Adolescents

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Seizures occur in the body due to a deviation from normal electrical signaling. There are two different classes of seizures. Generalized “Grand Mal” seizures differ from partial seizures in that they, “constitute 30% of seizures, involve neurons bilaterally, often do not have a local (focal) onset, and usually originate from a subcortical or deeper brain focus” (McCance and Huether, 551). These types of seizures have a wide variety of onsets and affect both brain hemispheres, as opposed to the more fine-tuned, partial (focal) seizures. Partial seizures involve neurons unilaterally, begin in a particular region of the brain (one hemisphere), have a local onset, and can spread throughout the brain. In contrast to generalized seizures, in …show more content…

In a 5-year study, it was found that, “the dominant cause of seizures was a previous stroke, accounting for 32% of all cases. Tumors accounted for 14%, and the cause of seizures remained unknown in 25%” (Luhdorf, Jensen & Plesner). According to Medscape, “the risk factor of recurrent seizures in children younger than 16 is almost double that of adolescents and adults aged 16-60 years.” A family history of epilepsy (recurrent seizure disorder), partial seizures, a history of neurologic deficit from birth such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or brain tumors are other high risk factors for recurrent seizures (Medscape). Symptoms of a seizure can range from a slight staring spell to sudden falling and convulsions (rapid, uncontrollable muscle spasms or jerking) and loss of bowel and bladder control. Causes and complications are brain injury or infection- such as meningitis, electric shock, fever, amnesia and stroke. When there is no apparent cause of the seizure this is called an idiopathic seizure (Seizures). Most patients with single seizure episodes will recover fine on their own with no treatment, however, for those with recurrent seizures, anticonvulsant therapy maybe an appropriate course …show more content…

This condition is most commonly caused by a viral infection (less threatening), although bacteria and fungal infections as well as toxins or parasites can also lead to meningitis (McCance & Huether, 609). The type of treatment depends on the causative agent; meningitis may go away on its own or require treatment with antibiotics. Clinical manifestations of meningitis, according to the textbook are as follows: inflammation and irritation- generalized meningeal signs, throbbing headache, photophobia (light sensitivity); local tissue dysfunction- cranial nerve palsies, focal neurologic deficits (hemiparesis/hemiplegia, ataxia), and seizures; mass effect- decreased level of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, and increased intracranial pressure; and lastly, vascular compromise (McCance and Huether, 612). Systematic effects of this condition are increased intracranial pressure (ICP), disruption of the blood brain barrier (a defense mechanism) which can exacerbate infection, interference or blockage of CSF (cerebral spinal fluid), cerebral edema, intracranial hypertension and decreased cranial blood flow. If the condition gets too serious, paralysis, hearing loss, ataxia (loss of muscle coordination, mainly in the extremities), cerebral atrophy, and hydrocephalus (“water

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