Question

Group 2 - Seizures Client A.R is a woman, 42 years of age, with a history of seizures since birth. She is otherwise in good health. Her current diagnosis is tonic-clonic seizure. She states that she is aware that a seizure is going to occur because she has a very brief "strange sensation." This sensation is her aura. After the aura, the patient cannot recall any other events until the postictal period. During the postictal time, Client A.R.is fatigued and confused and often experiences headaches. 1. Differentiate the tonic and clonic phase. 2. Explain the immediate nursing care for client A.R. who is experiencing tonic-clonic seizure. She has been on several AEDs in the past, including phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid, and experimental medications. Her current medications include carbamazepine and topiramate, with lorazepam as needed. She also takes an over-the-counter multivitamin and, occasionally, acetaminophen for headache. A.R. has admitted to not taking her AEDs in two weeks due to finances. 3. Discuss the importance of client education for AEDs. A.R. has been involved in the trial of several new experimental AEDs with varying success. The latest study she participated in had a positive effect on her seizure frequency. Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical company discontinued the medication from the study. As a result, other alternatives were sought. 4. List the surgical alternatives that can be utilize for client A.R. and rationale.

Answer 1

Answer: The tonic and clinic is a phase of seizures. The major difference between tonic and clinic phase are that in the tonic phase the muscles stiffness increases and has massive jerk. In this case there could be forward and backward motion and down fall due to muscle stiffness. Whereas in the case of clinic seizure, the jerk is rhythmic. It means that there could be jerks without any motions.