Epilepsy

Question 1

What is the lifetime incidence of epilepsy?

Answer 1

2-4%

Question 2

In epilepsy terminology, what does ‘simple’ mean?

Answer 2

Consciousness is not impaired

Question 3

In epilepsy terminology, what does ‘complex’ mean?

Answer 3

Consciousness is impaired

Question 4

In epilepsy terminology, what does ‘partial’ mean?

Answer 4

Focal onset

Question 5

In epilepsy terminology, what does ‘generalised’ mean?

Answer 5

Onset in both hemispheres simultaneously

Question 6

What are partial seizures most often caused by?

Answer 6

Focal structural lesions

Question 7

What are generalised seizures most often caused by?

Answer 7

Genetic/inherited

Question 8

Does idiopathic generalised epilepsy or complex partial seizures tend to respond better to anti-epileptic drugs?

Answer 8

Idiopathic generalised

Question 9

What is the firstline drug for idiopathic generalised epilepsy?

Answer 9

Sodium valproate

Question 10

What type of seizures is surgical resection usually best for?

Answer 10

Partial seizures

Question 11

What histopathology is seen in mesial temporal sclerosis?

Answer 11

Neuronal loss and gliosis in CA1, CA3 and dentate hilus

Question 12

Seizures beget ______

Answer 12

Seizures beget seizures

Question 13

What do the majority of people with chronic, drug-resistant epilepsy have?

Answer 13

A structural lesion

Question 14

What are the MRI features of mesial temporal sclerosis?

Answer 14

Hippocampal atrophy, T1 hypointensity, T2 hyperintensity, loss of internal architecture

Question 15

If an MRI shows a nodular mass of grey matter lining the ventricular walls, what would this indicate?

Answer 15

Periventricular nodular heterotopia

Question 16

What is the most common cause of new onset partial seizures in people aged 35-55 years?

Answer 16

Brain tumour