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Risk Factors, Absence Seizure (Petit Mal) - Coggle Diagram
Risk Factors
Etiology
Pathogenesis
Comorbidities
Signs and Symptoms
Lab Values/Test Findings
Treatments and Medications
Absence Seizure (Petit Mal)
Early in diagnosis: 80-100 seizures per day, lasting about 25 seconds
Onset of puberty, number of seizures decreased but did not stop
Recent increase in number of seizures, several in a row during class
While in emergency room, had 3 more seizures
Often occur with rapid blinking, staring into space, standing or sitting very still, or suddenly stopping talking or moving (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.).
No Comorbidities noted for this patient.
Often, children with absence seizures have comorbidities like ADHD, cognitive deficits, linguistic difficulties, and other psychiatric disorders like anxiety or depression (Barnes & Paolicchi, 2008).
This can be due to the seizure itself, causing a patient to lose time and have difficulty paying attention during school times (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.)
Noted by "blanking out" or staring into space (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.).
Usually begin during childhood (age 4-14), but can occur at any age
Abnormal activity in brain/neurons
Overactive glutamate receptors, GABA receptors that do not connect properly (Albuja, 2022).
Unknown for this patient
Causes are not often clear.
Thought to be inherited, via genes coding for calcium channels and GABA (Albuja, 2022).
Medications that suppress the T-type calcium channels (Valproate and Ethosuximide) (Albuja, 2022).
3 seizures while in Emergency Room waiting for meds
B/P: 110/70
Temp: 98 F
HR: 80
RR: 16
Weight: 120 lbs
Height: 5'7"
Usually diagnosed with EEG (patient previously diagnosed). (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.)
Can also be ruled out with other testing: MRI, CT, blood testing, kidney and liver testing (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.)
Ethosuximide (Zarontin) 750 mg (o.d.)
Valproate sodium (Depakene) 5mg/kg/day
Admit patient to Neuro Unit
Avoid Triggers