PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Etiology:

Altered integrity of neuron in the

epileptogenic focus

PRECIPITATING FACTORS:

Sensory stimuli: loud noises or bright lights

electrolyte imbalance

PREDISPOSING FACTORS:

Family History

Activated by precipitating factors

Abnormal spontaneous spread electrical

discharges

Partial depolarization

(high voltage electrical discharge)

Partial stimulation of neurotransmitter molecules

Imbalanced release in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters

Lowered seizure threshold

Hyperexcitablity state of neurons in the epileptogenic focus

Spreads to both hemispheres

Clonic phase:

Muscles will contract and relax rapidly

Violent, jerking movements

Upward rolling of the eyeballs

Bowel and urine incontinence in some

cases

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 Weakness

Hyperexcitability of neurons in the brainstem causing

disruption in the functions of the medulla, pons and

midbrain

Tonic Phase

Disruption in medullary

activity thus alteration in function of

respiratory and cardiovascular

system

Cessation of cardiovascular and respiratory activity causing apnea and

cyanosis.

Alteration in the

activity of the pons.

Musculature stiffening( extremities pulled toward body)

Alteration in the activity in the midbrain (connects

brain to spinal nerves)

Loss of consciousness and swallowing reflex

Inhibitory impulse starts from the thalamus and

interrupts the tonic phase into discontinuous bursts

of electrical activity