Grand Rounds DiagnosisProject By: Madison Pierce

Case 3: Raymond10 year old boy

◦Symptoms: Overly aggressive and angry

Attributed to his parents divorce Shaking Convulsions Took a fall

Unpleasant odor?

Generalized SeizuresElectrical disturbances occur all

over the brain.Triggers:

◦Bright lights ◦Lack of sleep◦Overstimulation

Laser Tag all night long?

Diagnosis: EpilepsyType of seizure experienced:

Generalized Tonic-Clonic SeizureSymptoms match up -

◦“Aura”◦Muscle contractions◦Loss of consciousness ◦Loss of memory of the incident

About EpilepsyChanges in brain tissue cause

them to be “jumpy” and “excited”, causing the brain to send out abnormal signals.

Neurons misfire and the brain’s normal electrical pattern is disrupted, causing a temporary miscommunication between nerve cells, hence “losing control” of your body.

Possible Brain Regions Affected Amygdala – controls emotionsFrontal Lobe – controls reasoning,

rationality, and also memory. Brain Stem – little sleepCerebellum & Motor Cortex –

controls muscle coordination and movement.

Hypothalamus – unpleasant odor

Prognosis Epilepsy is not especially life

threatening. Some children can even out grow it.◦Suggestions:

Limit exposure to bright and flashing lights.

Get enough sleep Always wear helmets while playing sports

or participating in other physical activities to prevent further injury.

If seizures worsen, don’t drive.

Career HelpNeurologist:

◦Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders. Could help Raymond understand what’s

happening in his brain and how to prevent it.

Nurse◦Help prep before Raymond would

see the neurologist.◦Relate to Raymond

Works Citedhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub

medhealth/PMH0001714/

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/epilepsy/epilepsy.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/epilepsy.html