Problems in family practice: Seizure disorders.
The current seizure classification recognizes two major categories, partial (focal) and generalized. Sublcasses of this system are determined by clinical and electroencephalographic manifestations of the seizures. Neonatal seizures are difficult to recognize and classify but require prompt and appropriate treatment for best results. Infantile spasms are important to recognize because of their grave prognosis and because they respond to steroid medications but not standard anticonvulsants. Febrile convulsions represent a continuing treatment controversy but have a good prognosis. The diagnosis of epilepsy is based on clinical history. Laboratory studies help classify the type of seizure and identify the etiology. The computerized tomography (CT) scan has simplified diagnostic evaluation. The extent of the evaluation must be adjusted to meet individual requirements. The choice of anticonvulsant is dependent on seizure type as well as the side effects and cost of the drug. Anticonvulsants have potential side effects which can be minimized by judicious dosage adjustments utilizing serum anticonvulsant levels when appropriate.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004832:Epilepsy, Absence / Q000175:diagnosis; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003294:Seizures, Febrile / Q000175:diagnosis; D013036:Spasms, Infantile / Q000175:diagnosis
D000927:Anticonvulsants