Epilepsy

Question 1

What is the primary goal of epilepsy pharmacotherapy?

Answer 1

To achieve seizure control while minimizing side effects.

Question 2

True or False: All patients with epilepsy respond to the same antiepileptic drug.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of sodium channel blockers in epilepsy treatment?

Answer 3

They inhibit the influx of sodium ions, stabilizing the neuronal membrane.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: The first-line treatment for generalized tonic-clonic seizures is __________.

Answer 4

lamotrigine

Question 5

Which class of antiepileptic drugs is known for enhancing GABAergic activity?

Answer 5

Benzodiazepines

Question 6

What is the role of ethosuximide in epilepsy management?

Answer 6

It is primarily used for absence seizures.

Question 7

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of antiepileptic drugs? A) Drowsiness B) Rash C) Hypertension D) Nausea

Answer 7

C) Hypertension

Question 8

What is the significance of therapeutic drug monitoring in epilepsy treatment?

Answer 8

It helps to ensure drug levels remain within the effective range and to avoid toxicity.

Question 9

True or False: Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What is the mechanism of action of valproate?

Answer 10

It increases GABA levels and inhibits sodium channels.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The use of __________ is contraindicated in pregnant women due to the risk of fetal malformations.

Answer 11

valproate

Question 12

Which antiepileptic drug is associated with weight gain as a common side effect?

Answer 12

Valproate

Question 13

Multiple Choice: Which drug is commonly used for status epilepticus? A) Carbamazepine B) Diazepam C) Ethosuximide D) Gabapentin

Answer 13

B) Diazepam

Question 14

What type of seizures is carbamazepine primarily used to treat?

Answer 14

Focal seizures

Question 15

True or False: Lamotrigine can be used for both focal and generalized seizures.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

What is a common side effect of topiramate?

Answer 16

Cognitive impairment

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The __________ classification system categorizes seizures based on clinical features and EEG findings.

Answer 17

International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)

Question 18

What is the role of ketogenic diet in epilepsy treatment?

Answer 18

It is used as a dietary therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy.

Question 19

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a new antiepileptic drug? A) Phenytoin B) Levetiracetam C) Carbamazepine D) Phenobarbital

Answer 19

B) Levetiracetam

Question 20

What is the primary action of gabapentin in the treatment of epilepsy?

Answer 20

It modulates the release of excitatory neurotransmitters.

Question 21

True or False: Antiepileptic drugs can interact with hormonal contraceptives.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

What is the significance of the ‘stevens-johnson syndrome’ in relation to certain antiepileptic drugs?

Answer 22

It is a serious skin reaction associated with drugs like lamotrigine and carbamazepine.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: __________ is a common side effect of some antiepileptic drugs that can affect bone health.

Answer 23

Osteoporosis

Question 24

What is the role of adjunctive therapy in epilepsy treatment?

Answer 24

To add on to a primary medication for better seizure control.

Question 25

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a potential risk of abrupt withdrawal of antiepileptic medication? A) Increased seizure frequency B) Dehydration C) Hypertension D) Hyperglycemia

Answer 25

A) Increased seizure frequency