Seizures

24 Seizures


Seizure disorders represent a relatively common reason for emergency consultation and presentation. Seizures are classified as generalized or partial/focal, and the tonic–clonic form of generalized seizures forms the basis of the following discussion. In some animals with generalized seizures, the inciting cause is transient or rapidly reversible (e.g. intoxication, hypoglycaemia), while in others seizures occur due to a more long-term abnormality (e.g. chronic brain disorder resulting in epilepsy). The causes of seizures are typically divided into primary intracranial or extracranial causes and are summarized in Box 24.1.




Nursing Aspect


Owners quite commonly ring for advice with respect to cats and especially dogs that have suffered one or more seizures and the duty nurse is often the person from whom this initial advice is obtained. In the author’s opinion, not all animals that have suffered a seizure need to be examined. The recommendation to examine the animal at the clinic should be guided by the owner’s wishes but also after obtaining adequate information with respect to:








In animals that have suffered only one self-limiting (isolated) seizure, that appear to have recovered satisfactorily, and in which an obvious inciting cause has not been identified, it may be appropriate for the animal to remain at home for close monitoring. However, owners must be advised to ensure that the animal is not able to harm him/herself should another seizure occur. They should also contact the practice again either if another seizure occurs or if behavioural signs suggestive of prodrome or aura (pre-seizure behaviour) are observed.


It is recommended that animals with cluster seizures (two or more seizures within 24 hours) are examined as soon as possible, and animals in status epilepticus must be presented to the clinic immediately.



Approach to Seizures





Major body system examination


Major body system examination may need to be delayed in an animal that presents actively seizuring. Neurological examination may be normal or severely abnormal in animals with seizure disorders. Some animals present in the middle of a seizure, some with postictal abnormalities, while others have fully recovered. A full neurological examination is warranted in any animal with a seizure history but it is sometimes necessary to wait for postictal abnormalities to resolve before a reliable examination can be performed. In addition, anticonvulsive medications that may need to be administered in an emergency will also potentially alter the findings of a neurological examination.


Cardiovascular examination may be abnormal in animals that have seizured. True seizures are unlikely to occur as a result of a primary cardiovascular disorder although cerebrovascular abnormalities may cause other neurological signs. Cardiovascular abnormalities that may occur secondary to seizures include tachycardia, hyperaemic mucous membranes and rapid capillary refill time. Furthermore, in some cases the cause of the seizure may also have direct effects on the cardiovascular system; this is especially common with certain poisons. In general, seizures should not cause systemic hypoperfusion but perfusion abnormalities may be seen following severe sustained seizure activity. In addition, the author has anecdotally noted a variety of cardiovascular abnormalities in animals with primary brain disease that have been presumed to be a direct result of the cerebral disorder (a brain–heart connection has been documented in people). Finally, depending on the cause of the seizures and their severity and duration, some animals may present with intracranial hypertension that may be detectable clinically as bradycardia and systemic hypertension (Cushing’s reflex – see Ch. 28). If facilities allow, systemic blood pressure should be measured in all animals presenting with active seizures or marked postictal abnormalities.


Respiratory examination may or may not be normal in animals with seizures. Seizures are unlikely to occur as a result of a primary respiratory disorder and the most common respiratory abnormalities identified are panting and tachypnoea. Aspiration may occur as a consequence of seizuring and other abnormal respiratory findings are possible in such cases. Neurogenic (noncardiogenic) pulmonary oedema may also cause respiratory abnormalities.


Rectal temperature may be normal, decreased or increased in animals with seizures depending on the timing of presentation. Severe seizure activity, in particular status epilepticus (see below), may result in marked hyperthermia which may need to be managed specifically (see Ch. 16).

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Sep 3, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Seizures

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