This essay gives a definition of seizure disorders, and in particular epilepsy. The aetiology of epilepsy will be described, and a description of normal CNS function. The pathophysiology, which will describe the abnormal CNS function which occurs during seizure will be given, and an explanation of the various types of partial and generalised seizures, including their signs, symptoms. A description of the prehospital care will be given as well as a rationale for the treatment.

A seizure is an episode of abnormal neurologic function caused by an abnormal discharge of brain neurons which is experienced by the patient, while epilepsy is a ‘clinical condition in which the individual is subject to recurrent seizures’ (Tintinalli J. 2000).

Flaningham G. (n.d.) writes that the aetiology of epilepsy is still not fully understood. Epilepsy is believed to occur due to a number of causes (Kidd & Wagner 1997), where Porth (2002) writes that it is not a disease, but a symptom which occurs due t

· Intramuscular (IM) Midazolam 100mcg / kg up to 10mg

· Possible polarization abnormalities (excessive polarization, hypopolarization, or lapses in repolarization)

· Ferne 2000, Status Epilepticus: Diagnosis and Management, [Online], Available: http://www.ferne.org/Sloan_MS.htm [3 September 02]

· Hambridge K. 2002, Ending the Ignorance of Epilepsy, Evening Telegraph, [Online], Available: Electric Library Australasia [1 September 02].

Some topics in this essay:
Guyton Hall, Seizures Generalised, Price Wilson, Partial Seizures, Kumar Blumenstein, Kidd Wagner, Midazolam Oxygen, Status Epilepticus, Online Available, SA Ambulance, tintinalli 2000, online available, 02 ·, partial seizures, status epilepticus, porth 2002, guyton hall, september 02 ·, september 02, kumar blumenstein 2002, hall 2000, 1 september, 1 september 02, guyton hall 2000, kidd wagner 1997,