18 Questions
What is the typical IQ range for individuals with mild mental retardation?
IQ 50-55 to ~70
Which of the following is a common cause of mental retardation during the prenatal period?
Chromosomal abnormalities
Which of the following tests is commonly used to assess intelligence quotient (IQ) in infants?
Bayley Scales of Infant Development
Which of the following is a common postnatal cause of mental retardation?
Anoxia
What is the typical IQ range for individuals with profound mental retardation?
IQ below 20-25
Which of the following is a common metabolic disease that can cause mental retardation during the prenatal period?
Phenylketonuria
What is the defining characteristic of absence seizures?
Impaired consciousness without falling or involuntary movements
Which type of seizure involves the entire body?
Generalized seizure
What is typically observed after a prolonged convulsion?
Postictal coma (transient loss of consciousness)
Which investigation is described as very helpful in the diagnosis of seizures?
EEG
What is the defining characteristic of a simple febrile seizure?
Primary generalized, usually tonic-clonic, attack associated with fever, lasting for a maximum of 15 min, and not recurrent within a 24-hr period
Which of the following is a characteristic of a complex febrile seizure?
Is focal or prolonged (>15 min) or recurs within 24 hours
What is the most common type of convulsion?
Tonic-Clonic
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of acute convulsions?
Chronic recurrent convulsions
Which of the following electrolyte disturbances can lead to convulsions?
Hypernatremia
What is the definition of convulsions according to the text?
All of the above
What is the difference between primary (idiopathic) and secondary (organic) epilepsy?
Primary epilepsy has an unknown cause, while secondary epilepsy has a known cause.
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of chronic recurrent convulsions?
Acute lead poisoning
Study Notes
Mental Retardation
- Limitation in performance that results from sub-average intelligence and adaptive behavior
- Classified according to the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) = Mental age X 100 / Chronological age
- Normal IQ: 90-110
- Tests for IQ assessment:
- Bayley Scales of infant development
- Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale
- Welchsler Scale
Degree of Mental Retardation
- Mild MR (85% of cases): IQ 50-55 to 70 (Educable)
- Moderate MR: IQ 35-40 to 50-55 (Trainable)
- Severe MR: IQ 20-25 to 35-40 (Non-trainable)
- Profound MR: IQ below 20-25
Etiology of Mental Retardation
- Prenatal causes:
- Genetic (Chromosomal abnormalities: Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, fragile X syndrome)
- Metabolic diseases (e.g. phenylketonuria, galactosaemia, mucopolysaccharidosis)
- Congenital brain anomalies (e.g. genetic Microcephaly and hydrocephalus)
- Neurodegenerative & Neurocutaneous disorders (Intrauterine)
- Congenital infections (TORCH)
- Drugs and toxins (e.g. alcohol, phenytoin, cigarettes)
- Radiation
- Placental insufficiency
- Perinatal causes:
- Ante partum hemorrhage and toxemia
- Asphyxia, trauma, and intracranial hemorrhage during delivery
- Postnatal causes:
- Trauma (e.g. intracranial hemorrhage)
- Infections (e.g. encephalitis, meningitis)
- Anoxia
- Metabolic disorders (e.g. hypoglycemia, Kernicterus)
- Endocrinal disorders (e.g. hypothyroidism)
- Poisoning (e.g. absence seizures)
Seizure Syndromes (Convulsions)
- Definition: Paroxysmal involuntary disturbance of brain function that may be manifested as:
- Involuntary contraction of muscles
- Disturbed conscious level
- Sensory or autonomic abnormality
- Behavioral abnormalities
- Types of convulsions:
- Tonic: rigid posturing of trunk and extremities
- Clonic: rhythmic twitching of muscles of face and extremities
- Tonic-Clonic: is the most common type
- Myoclonic: brief jerking (sudden flexion movement) of the body and extremities
Etiology of Seizure Syndromes
- Acute convulsions:
- Febrile convulsions
- CNS causes (e.g. infections, encephalopathy, intracranial hemorrhage, brain anoxia)
- Metabolic and electrolyte disturbance (e.g. hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypo-or hypernatremia, hypomagnesaemia, alkalosis, pyridoxine deficiency)
- With other diseases (e.g. gastroenteritis, glomerulonephritis)
- Drugs/toxins (e.g. theophylline, isoniazid, snake or scorpion bites, acute lead poisoning)
- First fit of epilepsy
- Chronic recurrent convulsions:
- Primary (idiopathic) epilepsy
- Secondary (organic) epilepsy (e.g. congenital brain malformations, brain injury, hereditary metabolic and degenerative diseases)
Treatment of Seizure Syndromes
- Treatment of the cause
- Anticonvulsant drugs
- Supportive treatment for untreatable causes:
- Educational and training programs
- Treatment of associated problems as epilepsy
- Emotional support for family
Learn about convulsions, which are a common pediatric emergency characterized by involuntary disturbances of brain function. Explore topics such as causes, symptoms, and supportive treatment options for untreatable causes, educational programs, treatment of associated problems like epilepsy, and emotional support for families.
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