Question 1

Which of the following best defines epilepsy according to the current clinical criteria?

Accepted Answer

At least two unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart, or one unprovoked seizure with a recurrence risk of at least 60% over the next 10 years, or diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome.

Question 2

A 12-year-old patient experiences sudden, brief episodes of staring and unresponsiveness lasting about 10 seconds, several times a day. EEG shows generalized 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges. Which seizure type is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Typical absence seizure

Question 3

Which of the following neurotransmitter changes is most directly associated with the pathophysiology of seizures?

Accepted Answer

Increased excitatory glutamatergic signaling and/or decreased inhibitory GABAergic signaling

Question 4

A patient with a history of epilepsy suddenly stops taking their antiepileptic medication. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of seizure recurrence, possibly leading to status epilepticus

Question 5

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of focal onset impaired awareness seizures compared to typical absence seizures?

Accepted Answer

Complex automatisms and postictal confusion are common

Question 6

A 16-year-old presents with early morning, bilateral, shock-like jerks of the arms and shoulders, sometimes followed by generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Which epilepsy syndrome is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the EEG findings during a generalized tonic-clonic seizure?

Accepted Answer

Generalized high-amplitude, rhythmic spike-and-wave discharges

Question 8

A patient with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is most likely to experience which of the following seizure types?

Accepted Answer

Tonic and atonic (drop) attacks, often with intellectual disability

Question 9

Which of the following is a common precipitating factor for seizures in patients with epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Sleep deprivation

Question 10

A 2-year-old child develops recurrent, prolonged febrile seizures, followed by multiple seizure types including myoclonic and absence seizures, and later shows intellectual disability. Which syndrome is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Dravet syndrome

Question 11

Which of the following best explains the process of epileptogenesis?

Accepted Answer

The transformation of a normal neuronal network into one that is chronically hyperexcitable, often involving neuronal injury and network rewiring

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate first aid measure for a person having a generalized tonic-clonic seizure?

Accepted Answer

Placing a hard object in the person's mouth to prevent tongue biting

Question 13

A patient with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms during a seizure?

Accepted Answer

Aura of fear or olfactory sensations, followed by impaired awareness and possible automatisms

Question 14

Which of the following drugs is LEAST likely to precipitate a seizure in a susceptible individual?

Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen (paracetamol)

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between a focal onset seizure and a generalized onset seizure?

Accepted Answer

Focal onset seizures originate in one hemisphere or a localized region, while generalized onset seizures involve both hemispheres from the onset.

Question 16

A patient experiences a sudden loss of postural tone, resulting in a fall, but recovers within seconds. Which seizure type is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Atonic seizure

Question 17

Which of the following is a common EEG finding in typical absence seizures?

Accepted Answer

Generalized 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges

Question 18

A patient with a history of head trauma presents with focal onset seizures that sometimes progress to bilateral tonic-clonic activity. What is the most likely explanation for this progression?

Accepted Answer

The seizure spreads from a focal onset to involve both hemispheres, resulting in a focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizure.

Question 19

Which of the following is a key feature of Dravet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Onset in infancy with prolonged febrile seizures and later multiple seizure types, often with intellectual disability

Question 20

Which of the following is a common comorbidity associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Intellectual disability and behavioral problems

Epilepsy Pathophysiology: Study Notes for General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards