Seizures in the ICU – Part 7
After about 20 minutes of seizures in an adult, the late sequelae present clinically. Usually motor activity decreases and ventilation status usually improves partially. As gluconeogenesis (the process of the liver manufacturing glucose for a fuel source) fails the hyperglycemic state (high glucose) ends and hypoglycemia (low glucose) occurs.
Pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs) secondary to aspiration of oral and gastric (stomach) contents occurs with resulting hypoxia. Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle) occurs with renal (kidney) damage and possible renal failure. Tendon avulsions (tearing away from the joint), joint dislocations, and compression fractures are also common.
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