This week, we will begin talking about epilepsy. Many thanks to Courtney Chedester, one of our previous PGY2 critical care residents, for helping to put together the videos and in class sessions on this important topic. As always, pay attention to the learning objectives for the most important information.
Learning Objectives
1) Define epilepsy according to the 2014 ILAE practical clinical definition.
2) Discuss the pathophysiology, etiologies, risk factors, and triggers of seizures.
3) Describe the classification of seizures and the characteristics of each seizure type.
4) Compare and contrast antiepileptic drugs in regard to their classification, uses, warnings, and adverse effects.
5) Apply the pharmacokinetic and monitoring parameters of the first-generation antiepileptic drugs to patient cases.
6) Design a therapeutic plan for an epilepsy patient.