BIOLOGY 2D03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Artsakh Defense Army, Menorrhagia, Convulsion
19 Jun 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Fits, faints and Funny Turns
Definition: Transient episodes of altered consciousness, abnormal movements or
abnormal behavior are a common presenting problem.
History
Sarah is a 15-year-old girl, referred to paediatric outpatients.
PC
Fit
HPC
Referred by GP
Accompanied by a letter that says, Thank you for seeing this girl who has had
her first fit.
3 weeks ago she was at school when the fire alarm went off unexpectedly.
She felt faint and clammy.
Friends tried to help her to walk out of the classroom, but after about a minute
she collapsed to the floor and had a brief episode of jerking movements affecting
all four limbs.
There was no incontinence or tongue biting.
She regained consciousness within a minute but continued to feel weak for a few
hours afterwards.
System Review
General – Anxious girl
Neuro – Nil
Cardio – Sensation of her heart racing every few weeks.
Resp- Nil
Gastro –Nil
Uro- Nil
Musc – Nil
Derm – Nil
PMH + PSH
Birth – Normal SVD, 38+4, no complications
Feeding – Normal good appetitie
Previous admissions- never been into hospital.
Conditions
o Sian had a febrile convulsion at 18 months of age and she has fainted on
about five occasions, mostly in emotional situations or when it has been
hot.
o Seen the GP for menorrhagia
Medications and Allergies- Nil and NKDA
Vaccinations- Up to Date
Developmental
She is top of her year at school and hopes to be a doctor or lawyer.
FMH
No FH of epilepsy
Aunt collapsed and died at the age of 28 in Canada.
SH
Lives at home with mum, dad, and brother
Doesnt drink, smoke or take drugs
Extra questions to ask
Eye witness account is essential
JWH, JM, AJS
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