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Questions and Answers
Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between a seizure and epilepsy? A) A seizure is caused by excessive electrical discharge from the cerebral cortex, while epilepsy refers to any one-time, provoked event of such discharge. B) A seizure involves an imbalance between excitation and inhibition in the brain, while epilepsy refers to recurrent unprovoked seizures. C) A seizure is always a sign of epilepsy, whereas epilepsy is a type of seizure. D) Seizures and epilepsy are the same, as both involve excessive electrical discharges in the brain.
Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between a seizure and epilepsy? A) A seizure is caused by excessive electrical discharge from the cerebral cortex, while epilepsy refers to any one-time, provoked event of such discharge. B) A seizure involves an imbalance between excitation and inhibition in the brain, while epilepsy refers to recurrent unprovoked seizures. C) A seizure is always a sign of epilepsy, whereas epilepsy is a type of seizure. D) Seizures and epilepsy are the same, as both involve excessive electrical discharges in the brain.
- A seizure is caused by excessive electrical discharge from the cerebral cortex, while epilepsy refers to any one-time, provoked event of such discharge.
- A seizure involves an imbalance between excitation and inhibition in the brain, while epilepsy refers to recurrent unprovoked seizures. (correct)
- A seizure is always a sign of epilepsy, whereas epilepsy is a type of seizure.
- Seizures and epilepsy are the same, as both involve excessive electrical discharges in the brain.
Which of the following best describes the cause of a seizure?
Which of the following best describes the cause of a seizure?
- A disruption in blood flow leading to brain damage.
- An imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain. (correct)
- A decrease in the number of neurons in the brain.
- A viral infection that attacks the brain cells.
The symptoms of a seizure primarily depend on:
The symptoms of a seizure primarily depend on:
- The age of the individual.
- The location of the electrical discharge in the brain. (correct)
- The severity of the head injury.
- The underlying cause of the imbalance.
How does epilepsy differ from a single seizure?
How does epilepsy differ from a single seizure?
Epilepsy is a ______ disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by recurrent seizures. How many seizures are required for a diagnosis of epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a ______ disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by recurrent seizures. How many seizures are required for a diagnosis of epilepsy?
How many seizures must occur for a diagnosis of epilepsy?
How many seizures must occur for a diagnosis of epilepsy?
What is a key feature of epilepsy in terms of its presentation?
What is a key feature of epilepsy in terms of its presentation?
What is an unprovoked seizure?
What is an unprovoked seizure?
What is the key difference between provoked and unprovoked seizures?
What is the key difference between provoked and unprovoked seizures?
What type of seizure involves seizure activity starting in one area of the brain?
What type of seizure involves seizure activity starting in one area of the brain?
Which of the following best describes generalized seizures?
Which of the following best describes generalized seizures?
What is the characteristic feature of an absence seizure?
What is the characteristic feature of an absence seizure?
Which seizure type involves muscle jerks but no loss of consciousness?
Which seizure type involves muscle jerks but no loss of consciousness?
What does a myoclonic atonic seizure involve?
What does a myoclonic atonic seizure involve?
Which of the following seizure types is characterized by sudden muscle tone loss, often causing falls?
Which of the following seizure types is characterized by sudden muscle tone loss, often causing falls?
What type of seizure is categorized as having an unknown onset?
What type of seizure is categorized as having an unknown onset?
Which of the following describes a seizure with alternating muscle contractions and relaxation?
Which of the following describes a seizure with alternating muscle contractions and relaxation?
Which of the following is true about a tonic seizure?
Which of the following is true about a tonic seizure?
Epilepsy syndromes are defined by which of the following?
Epilepsy syndromes are defined by which of the following?
How are epilepsy syndromes typically identified?
How are epilepsy syndromes typically identified?
Many epilepsy syndromes are now recognized to be due to which of the following?
Many epilepsy syndromes are now recognized to be due to which of the following?
Which of the following is a gene associated with Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (NFLE)?
Which of the following is a gene associated with Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (NFLE)?
Which syndrome is linked to mutations in the SCN1A gene?
Which syndrome is linked to mutations in the SCN1A gene?
Which of the following epilepsy syndromes is associated with a gene mutation in LGI1?
Which of the following epilepsy syndromes is associated with a gene mutation in LGI1?
Which syndrome is commonly associated with epileptic encephalopathy due to various de novo mutations?
Which syndrome is commonly associated with epileptic encephalopathy due to various de novo mutations?
Which of the following statements is true about Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME)?
Which of the following statements is true about Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME)?
Which of the following epilepsy syndromes is most commonly associated with childhood absence seizures?
Which of the following epilepsy syndromes is most commonly associated with childhood absence seizures?
Which of the following epilepsy syndromes is most likely to present with seizures that occur primarily during sleep?
Which of the following epilepsy syndromes is most likely to present with seizures that occur primarily during sleep?
How can medications influence seizure activity in patients with epilepsy?
How can medications influence seizure activity in patients with epilepsy?
Which of the following factors can increase the risk of seizures during acute illnesses?
Which of the following factors can increase the risk of seizures during acute illnesses?
Which of the following conditions is known to increase the risk of seizures due to potential brain injury or damage?
Which of the following conditions is known to increase the risk of seizures due to potential brain injury or damage?
How does sleep deprivation affect seizure susceptibility?
How does sleep deprivation affect seizure susceptibility?
Seizures and epilepsy are caused by an imbalance between which two processes in the central nervous system?
Seizures and epilepsy are caused by an imbalance between which two processes in the central nervous system?
What cellular event typically leads to the onset of seizures?
What cellular event typically leads to the onset of seizures?
Which of the following physiological conditions can promote seizure activity by altering neurotransmitter release?
Which of the following physiological conditions can promote seizure activity by altering neurotransmitter release?
How does a lower threshold for stimulation in neurons contribute to seizures?
How does a lower threshold for stimulation in neurons contribute to seizures?
What happens when the neurons in the epileptogenic focus become hyperexcitable?
What happens when the neurons in the epileptogenic focus become hyperexcitable?
Which of the following is a feature that may suggest a seizure in older adults?
Which of the following is a feature that may suggest a seizure in older adults?
What clinical presentation is often observed when an older adult experiences a seizure?
What clinical presentation is often observed when an older adult experiences a seizure?
Why are seizures in older adults often difficult to recognize?
Why are seizures in older adults often difficult to recognize?
What is a common misdiagnosis for seizures in older adults?
What is a common misdiagnosis for seizures in older adults?
Which of the following factors complicates the recognition of seizures in older adults?
Which of the following factors complicates the recognition of seizures in older adults?
What is a key feature that may suggest a seizure in older adults, particularly in the context of confusion or behavioral changes?
What is a key feature that may suggest a seizure in older adults, particularly in the context of confusion or behavioral changes?
Which of the following is commonly observed before or during a tonic-clonic seizure?
Which of the following is commonly observed before or during a tonic-clonic seizure?
What motor feature is commonly seen during the tonic-clonic phase of a seizure?
What motor feature is commonly seen during the tonic-clonic phase of a seizure?
Which of the following is a common post-seizure feature of a tonic-clonic seizure?
Which of the following is a common post-seizure feature of a tonic-clonic seizure?
What is a hallmark sign of injury that can occur during a tonic-clonic seizure?
What is a hallmark sign of injury that can occur during a tonic-clonic seizure?
Which of the following is commonly observed after a tonic-clonic seizure?
Which of the following is commonly observed after a tonic-clonic seizure?
What feature is often seen in the eyes during the tonic phase of a tonic-clonic seizure?
What feature is often seen in the eyes during the tonic phase of a tonic-clonic seizure?
Which of the following may occur during a tonic-clonic seizure that involves the autonomic nervous system?
Which of the following may occur during a tonic-clonic seizure that involves the autonomic nervous system?
After a tonic-clonic seizure, what is a common postictal finding?
After a tonic-clonic seizure, what is a common postictal finding?
Which of the following clinical features can be seen after a tonic-clonic seizure?
Which of the following clinical features can be seen after a tonic-clonic seizure?
What does the term "ictal" refer to in the context of seizures?
What does the term "ictal" refer to in the context of seizures?
Which of the following is a hallmark feature of the tonic phase of a seizure?
Which of the following is a hallmark feature of the tonic phase of a seizure?
During the clonic phase of a seizure, what is typically observed?
During the clonic phase of a seizure, what is typically observed?
What is a common feature seen during the post-ictal phase following a seizure?
What is a common feature seen during the post-ictal phase following a seizure?
Which of the following is commonly seen in the tonic phase of a seizure?
Which of the following is commonly seen in the tonic phase of a seizure?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of the clonic phase of a seizure?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of the clonic phase of a seizure?
What is a feature commonly observed after the seizure, during the post-ictal phase?
What is a feature commonly observed after the seizure, during the post-ictal phase?
Which of the following conditions can mimic a seizure due to sudden loss of consciousness and involuntary movements?
Which of the following conditions can mimic a seizure due to sudden loss of consciousness and involuntary movements?
What condition can mimic a postictal state due to a drop in blood pressure, especially in elderly individuals?
What condition can mimic a postictal state due to a drop in blood pressure, especially in elderly individuals?
Which of the following is a key diagnostic tool for differentiating Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) from true seizures?
Which of the following is a key diagnostic tool for differentiating Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) from true seizures?
Which of the following conditions can be mistaken for a seizure due to its sudden onset of confusion and memory impairment?
Which of the following conditions can be mistaken for a seizure due to its sudden onset of confusion and memory impairment?
Which condition involves sudden, brief memory loss with no clear neurological cause, and can mimic a seizure?
Which condition involves sudden, brief memory loss with no clear neurological cause, and can mimic a seizure?
Which of the following is considered a crucial part of the diagnosis of a seizure?
Which of the following is considered a crucial part of the diagnosis of a seizure?
When diagnosing seizures, why is it important to ask about triggers such as recent illness or drug/alcohol use?
When diagnosing seizures, why is it important to ask about triggers such as recent illness or drug/alcohol use?
In a patient with a suspected seizure, which of the following should be ruled out first?
In a patient with a suspected seizure, which of the following should be ruled out first?
If a patient is known to have epilepsy, which of the following is crucial to assess during the consultation?
If a patient is known to have epilepsy, which of the following is crucial to assess during the consultation?
What is the most appropriate diagnostic test to rule out hypoglycemia as a cause of seizure-like symptoms?
What is the most appropriate diagnostic test to rule out hypoglycemia as a cause of seizure-like symptoms?
Which diagnostic test should be performed to rule out underlying arrhythmias that might mimic seizure symptoms?
Which diagnostic test should be performed to rule out underlying arrhythmias that might mimic seizure symptoms?
Why is lactate commonly measured during or after a seizure?
Why is lactate commonly measured during or after a seizure?
Which test is recommended to rule out infection or inflammation when diagnosing seizures?
Which test is recommended to rule out infection or inflammation when diagnosing seizures?
When is CT imaging typically indicated in the diagnosis of a seizure?
When is CT imaging typically indicated in the diagnosis of a seizure?
In a patient with suspected meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage, why is CT imaging performed before lumbar puncture (LP)?
In a patient with suspected meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage, why is CT imaging performed before lumbar puncture (LP)?
Which of the following diagnostic tests is used to assess for non-epileptic causes of seizure-like symptoms?
Which of the following diagnostic tests is used to assess for non-epileptic causes of seizure-like symptoms?
In a patient with a first seizure, which of the following is the recommended approach for neuroimaging?
In a patient with a first seizure, which of the following is the recommended approach for neuroimaging?
What does a normal EEG result indicate in the context of a first seizure?
What does a normal EEG result indicate in the context of a first seizure?
What is the main purpose of provocation testing (e.g., sleep deprivation, hyperventilation, or photic stimulation) in the diagnosis of epilepsy?
What is the main purpose of provocation testing (e.g., sleep deprivation, hyperventilation, or photic stimulation) in the diagnosis of epilepsy?
Which of the following is considered the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis of epilepsy?
Which of the following is considered the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis of epilepsy?
What is the role of lumbar puncture (LP) in the investigation of a patient with suspected seizures?
What is the role of lumbar puncture (LP) in the investigation of a patient with suspected seizures?
What type of EEG abnormality is typically seen in generalized epileptic seizures?
What type of EEG abnormality is typically seen in generalized epileptic seizures?
What percentage of patients will have an abnormal EEG at presentation with their first seizure?
What percentage of patients will have an abnormal EEG at presentation with their first seizure?
What is the definition of status epilepticus?
What is the definition of status epilepticus?
In approximately half of the cases, the cause of status epilepticus is acute symptomatic, typically due to what?
In approximately half of the cases, the cause of status epilepticus is acute symptomatic, typically due to what?
According to the '5 minute rule,' when should a seizure be treated as a medical emergency?
According to the '5 minute rule,' when should a seizure be treated as a medical emergency?
Why is status epilepticus considered a medical emergency?
Why is status epilepticus considered a medical emergency?
What is the first-line treatment for status epilepticus to help prevent further seizures?
What is the first-line treatment for status epilepticus to help prevent further seizures?
If a seizure does not stop within 5–10 minutes, what is the next step in the emergency management of status epilepticus?
If a seizure does not stop within 5–10 minutes, what is the next step in the emergency management of status epilepticus?
Which of the following is considered second-line treatment in the management of status epilepticus?
Which of the following is considered second-line treatment in the management of status epilepticus?
Which of the following drugs is typically used for third-line management of status epilepticus if seizures persist despite initial treatment?
Which of the following drugs is typically used for third-line management of status epilepticus if seizures persist despite initial treatment?
What is the primary role of phenobarbital in the management of status epilepticus?
What is the primary role of phenobarbital in the management of status epilepticus?
Which drug is commonly used for the loading dose in second-line treatment of status epilepticus?
Which drug is commonly used for the loading dose in second-line treatment of status epilepticus?
What is the role of benzodiazepines in the management of status epilepticus?
What is the role of benzodiazepines in the management of status epilepticus?
In the emergency management of status epilepticus, why should the patient be positioned in the left lateral position?
In the emergency management of status epilepticus, why should the patient be positioned in the left lateral position?
Which of the following drugs is commonly used as a first-line treatment for status epilepticus via intravenous (IV) administration?
Which of the following drugs is commonly used as a first-line treatment for status epilepticus via intravenous (IV) administration?
Which of the following drugs is commonly administered via buccal route for first-line management of status epilepticus?
Which of the following drugs is commonly administered via buccal route for first-line management of status epilepticus?
Which drug is administered rectally (PR) as a first-line treatment for status epilepticus?
Which drug is administered rectally (PR) as a first-line treatment for status epilepticus?
Which of the following is most commonly associated with non-convulsive status epilepticus?
Which of the following is most commonly associated with non-convulsive status epilepticus?
The diagnosis of non-convulsive status epilepticus is primarily confirmed by which of the following?
The diagnosis of non-convulsive status epilepticus is primarily confirmed by which of the following?
After how many unprovoked seizures should anti-seizure medication typically be started?
After how many unprovoked seizures should anti-seizure medication typically be started?
Which of the following is a reason for starting anti-seizure medication after just one seizure?
Which of the following is a reason for starting anti-seizure medication after just one seizure?
When should anti-seizure medication be started after a single seizure, according to chronic treatment guidelines?
When should anti-seizure medication be started after a single seizure, according to chronic treatment guidelines?
Which of the following findings would not justify starting anti-seizure medication after a single seizure?
Which of the following findings would not justify starting anti-seizure medication after a single seizure?
What is an important aspect of patient education for individuals with epilepsy regarding medication?
What is an important aspect of patient education for individuals with epilepsy regarding medication?
When counselling a patient about managing seizure triggers, which of the following is an important consideration?
When counselling a patient about managing seizure triggers, which of the following is an important consideration?
What is the minimum seizure-free period required for a Group 1 driver in Ireland (car, motorcycle, tractor) to resume driving after a first unprovoked seizure?
What is the minimum seizure-free period required for a Group 1 driver in Ireland (car, motorcycle, tractor) to resume driving after a first unprovoked seizure?
What is the goal of epilepsy treatment with anti-seizure medications?
What is the goal of epilepsy treatment with anti-seizure medications?
In the treatment of epilepsy, what is typically the first-line approach for newly diagnosed patients?
In the treatment of epilepsy, what is typically the first-line approach for newly diagnosed patients?
Surgery for epilepsy may be considered for which of the following?
Surgery for epilepsy may be considered for which of the following?
Which of the following is an alternative treatment for epilepsy, especially for those who cannot control their seizures with medications?
Which of the following is an alternative treatment for epilepsy, especially for those who cannot control their seizures with medications?
Which of the following represents a future development in the treatment of epilepsy?
Which of the following represents a future development in the treatment of epilepsy?
What is the most likely cause of epilepsy in a 16-year-old with morning jerks, daydreaming spells, and generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures, given the family history of migraine and alcohol use before seizures?
What is the most likely cause of epilepsy in a 16-year-old with morning jerks, daydreaming spells, and generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures, given the family history of migraine and alcohol use before seizures?
In a 29-year-old with febrile seizures as an infant, déjà vu/fear aura followed by lip smacking and generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures from sleep, what is the most likely underlying cause of the epilepsy?
In a 29-year-old with febrile seizures as an infant, déjà vu/fear aura followed by lip smacking and generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures from sleep, what is the most likely underlying cause of the epilepsy?
In a 45-year-old patient with intellectual disability, autism, and episodes of stiffening/incontinence at night along with generalized tonic seizures and atypical absence seizures, what is the most likely cause of the epilepsy?
In a 45-year-old patient with intellectual disability, autism, and episodes of stiffening/incontinence at night along with generalized tonic seizures and atypical absence seizures, what is the most likely cause of the epilepsy?
A 6-year-old who frequently zones out during the day, has eye flutter, and activity arrest without significant academic progress, with a diagnosis of typical absence seizures, is most likely to have what type of cause?
A 6-year-old who frequently zones out during the day, has eye flutter, and activity arrest without significant academic progress, with a diagnosis of typical absence seizures, is most likely to have what type of cause?
