Clinical Perspective of Epilepsy

Question 1

What is the most common type of epilepsy among adults?

Answer 1

Temporal lobe epilepsy

Question 2

A head CT is most useful when considering a diagnosis of (focal/generalized) seizure.

Answer 2

Focal seizure onset. MRIs are often unnecessary

Question 3

What is status epilepticus?

Answer 3

A seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes

Question 4

What is the major difference between syncope and a seizure?

Answer 4

A syncopic episode lasts approximately 30 seconds. Seizures may last many minutes.

Question 5

True/False. Something should be placed in a patient’s mouth during a seizure to prevent harm.

Answer 5

False. Do not attempt to place anything in the patient’s mouth. You may roll the patient onto their side, if possible.

Question 6

What is a non-epileptic seizure?

Answer 6

A seizure that is due to psychogenic or other trigger

Question 7

True/False. EEGs have poor sensitivity, but high specificity for diagnosing epilepsy.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

Arching of the back, asymmetric movements, and closing of the eyes are symptoms of what disorder?

Answer 8

Nonepileptic seizures