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Chapter 95 - Alcohol- and toxin-induced seizures

from Section 4 - Provoked epilepsies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2012

Simon D. Shorvon
Affiliation:
National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London
Frederick Andermann
Affiliation:
Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute
Renzo Guerrini
Affiliation:
Child Neurology Unit, Meyer Pediatric Hospital, Florence
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Summary

This chapter presents definitions, epidemiology and association of epilepsy with toxin-induced seizures. Basic investigations of toxin-induced seizures include standard blood tests, urine toxicology, electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram (EEG), and brain imaging. The immediate treatment of toxin-induced seizures resembles that of any acute seizure and begins with airway, breathing, circulation (ABC). The chapter highlights several toxins of interest either because of their mechanism of action or their importance from a public health point of view. Alcohol (ethanol) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Domoic acid is a toxin that accumulates in marine organisms, particularly those that feed on phytoplankton. Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of death by poisoning in the United States. Lead poisoning may occur with exposures. Liquid nerve agents, such as sarin (isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate), are potent and deadly substances used in chemical warfare. Cocaine is an amphetamine narcotic and a common drug of abuse.
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Chapter
Information
The Causes of Epilepsy
Common and Uncommon Causes in Adults and Children
, pp. 674 - 682
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2011

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