Which of the following is a metabolic cause of a seizure?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Hypercholesterolemia
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the question. Seizures can be caused by various factors, including metabolic disturbances. Metabolic causes are related to the body's biochemical processes, such as energy production and nutrient balance.
2. Step 2: Analyze each option provided in the question. Dehydration refers to a lack of sufficient water in the body, which can disrupt electrolyte balance and potentially lead to seizures. Hypercholesterolemia is an elevated level of cholesterol in the blood, which is not directly linked to seizures. Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, which can impair brain function and trigger seizures. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically a metabolic cause of seizures.
3. Step 3: Focus on hypoglycemia as the correct answer. Hypoglycemia is a metabolic condition where glucose levels in the blood drop below normal. Glucose is the primary energy source for the brain, and insufficient glucose can lead to abnormal electrical activity in the brain, resulting in seizures.
4. Step 4: Relate hypoglycemia to the broader concept of metabolism. Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions in the body, including those that regulate blood sugar levels. When glucose levels fall too low, the brain's metabolic needs are not met, leading to potential neurological symptoms like seizures.
5. Step 5: Conclude by emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper metabolic balance to prevent seizures. Conditions like hypoglycemia highlight the critical role of glucose in brain function and the need for homeostasis in the body's metabolic processes.