Practice questions › MBBS / Medicine › Neurology
Seizures & Syncope MCQs
Neurology · MBBS / Medicine · 27 practice questions
- Etiology of Seizures - Systemic and Neurologic Causes
- Approach to Diagnosis - Localizing Aura Features
- Approach to Diagnosis - Events at Onset
- Approach to Diagnosis - Events After the Spell
- Etiology - Systemic Disorders
- Etiology - Benign Febrile Convulsions
- Etiology - Stroke and Mass Lesions
- Etiology - Genetics of Epilepsy
1. A patient asks how likely it is that he will ever have a seizure in his lifetime, versus how common epilepsy is in the general population. Based on the text, which pair of figures correctly reflects these two statistics?
- AEpilepsy prevalence 2-3%; lifetime seizure probability approximately 10%
- BEpilepsy prevalence 10%; lifetime seizure probability approximately 2-3%
- CEpilepsy prevalence 5-15%; lifetime seizure probability approximately 50%
- DEpilepsy prevalence 35%; lifetime seizure probability approximately 75%
Show answer
A. Epilepsy prevalence 2-3%; lifetime seizure probability approximately 10% The text states the prevalence of epilepsy in the general population is about 2-3%, but the lifetime probability of experiencing a seizure is approximately 10%.
2. A 60-year-old man is restrained in a standing position during a blood draw and briefly stiffens and jerks his limbs for about 10 seconds before recovering fully within 30 seconds with no confusion afterward. What is the most likely explanation for this event?
- AGeneralized tonic-clonic seizure
- BConvulsive syncope due to prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion
- CPartial seizure with secondary generalization
- DPostictal automatism
Show answer
B. Convulsive syncope due to prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion The text describes 'convulsive syncope' as stiffening or jerking movements resulting from prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion when a patient is prevented from assuming a recumbent posture; it is self-limited and does not require anticonvulsant treatment.
3. A 40-year-old man presents after his first unprovoked seizure with no identifiable cause. He then has a second unprovoked seizure 6 months later. According to the text, how does this second seizure change his risk of further recurrence within 5 years?
- ARisk becomes negligible since most recurrences occur after the first year
- BRisk remains unchanged at 35%
- CRisk decreases from 75% to 35%
- DRisk increases from approximately 35% to approximately 75%
Show answer
D. Risk increases from approximately 35% to approximately 75% The text states the risk of recurrence in the next 5 years is approximately 35% after a first unprovoked seizure, and a second seizure increases the risk of recurrence to approximately 75%.
Practise all 27 questions free
Every answer is marked the moment you tap it, with the reason. Your weak topics come back until you get them right.
Start free, no card needed