PRECIPITATING FACTORS:

Sensory stimuli: loud noises

or bright lights
electrolyte imbalance

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Etiology:
Altered integrity of
neuron in the
epileptogenic focus

Hyperexcitablity state of neurons in

the epileptogenic focus

Partial depolarization
(high voltage electrical discharge)

Partial stimulation of
neurotransmitter molecules

Imbalanced release in excitatory

and inhibitory neurotransmitters

Lowered seizure threshold

Activated by
precipitating factors

Abnormal spontaneous
spread electrical
discharges

PREDISPOSING FACTORS:

Family History

Hyperexcitability of neurons
in the brainstem causing
disruption in the functions of
the medulla, pons and
midbrain
Tonic Phase
Spreads to both
hemispheres
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( extr
emities pulled
toward body)

Alteration in the activity

in the midbrain (connects
brain to spinal nerves)

Loss of consciousness
and swallowing reflex
Clonic phase:
Inhibitory impulse starts
from the thalamus and
interrupts the tonic phase
into discontinuous bursts
of electrical activity

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

Muscles will contract

and relax rapidly
Violent, jerking
movements
Upward rolling of the
eyeballs
Bowel and urine
incontinence in some
cases