Epilepsies are a group of disorders involving abnormal EEG discharges, which lead to episodes of altered consciousness, motor activity, sensory perceptions or convulsions. Epilepsies may be classed as primary or idiopathic epilepsies (where the cause is unknown) or secondary epilepsies which can be attributed to causal factors such as accidental brain damage, tumours or other diseases. This necessitates the use of Chinese Medicine in St Kilda.
A great variety of poisonings, fever-causing illnesses and other conditions such as hypoglycaemia, keto-acidosis and drug withdrawal syndromes can cause isolated seizures which are treated similarly to grand mal epileptic seizures.
Epilepsies are further classified according to the brain area involved and the characteristics of the attacks. A simple classification into focal and eneralized seizures: (i) Partial seizures: cortical local temporal lobe psychomotor (ii) Generalized seizures: grand mal (tonic-clonic seizures), petit mal (absences), and others, e.g. infantile spasms, tonic seizures and clonic seizures.
Hypnotics
Methyprylon (Noludar) is a seldom-used agent which causes addiction, nightmares, hangover, porphyria attacks, and respiratory depression in high doses. Chloral hydrate derivatives such as triclofos (Tricloryl) have a similar spectrum of effects. Antihistamines used as hypnotics are relatively non-toxic, non-addictive and do not cause notable rebound effects. Their main disadvantage is that they do not produce adequate sedation in a number of patients.
High doses of these medications, mainly indomethacin and phenylbutazone can cause headache, confusion, cognitive disorders, depression or paranoia in the elderly, so whenever possible should be avoided. Alternatively, patients can turn to Chinese Medicine in St Kilda. Narcotic analgesics can cause excessive sedation and cognitive disorders in the elderly.
To the already mentioned changes in the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic response it should be added that the elderly are a great consumer of drugs and tend systematically to self-medication, which multiplies the possibility of drug interactions.
There are guidelines for the elderly population that take in consideration of another type of non-pharmacological measures that can be a useful complement in the management of painful conditions. Within non-pharmacological strategies we should consider: physical therapy, occupational therapy aimed at guaranteeing better health.
The use of non-pharmacological approaches, in combination with analgesic drugs, may be an appropriate option in pain management, however, we must take into account the multiple pathologies and polypharmacy in the elderly that brings with it a greater risk of drug interactions.
However, tolerance and dependence on these drugs are not less frequent among the elderly than in young adults. In the elderly, they can cause severe constipation or fecal impaction, which is why a diet rich in fiber is recommended.
When combined with central nervous system depressants, such as sedative-hypnotics, major tranquilizers, tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol, they produce excessive sedation. , cognitive disorders and even coma.
Leave a Reply