epilepsy and seizures quiz: test your medical iq

Epilepsy and Seizures Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

Q: If you have had a seizure, it means you have epilepsy.

The correct answer is: • False

Explanation:

Having a single seizure does not necessarily mean that a person has epilepsy. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures.

Q:What is a powerful behavioral trigger of seizures?

AMental illness BLack of sleep CBinge eating DSnoring

Q:What is a powerful behavioral trigger of seizures?

The correct answer is: B Lack of sleep

Explanation:

Seizures are often triggered by factors such as lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, stress, or hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle. Sleep deprivation in particular is a universal and powerful trigger of seizures.

Q:What is the most common type of seizure?

AThe grand mal seizure BThe absence seizure CThe simple seizure DThe complex seizure

Q:What is the most common type of seizure?

The correct answer is: A The grand mal seizure

Explanation:

The grand-mal seizure is the most common, the most dramatic, and best known. During grand-mal seizures, the patient loses consciousness and usually collapses. Injuries and accidents may occur, such as tongue biting and urinary incontinence.

Q:Epilepsy was first discovered in 1950.

• True • False

Q:Epilepsy was first discovered in 1950.

The correct answer is: • False

Explanation:

Some 3,000 years ago people thought that epileptic seizures were caused by demons or gods. However, in 400 B.C., Hippocrates suggested that epilepsy was a brain disorder -- and we now know that he was right.

Q:Patients with epilepsy often suffer with ______________ as well.

ADepression BAnxiety CMigraine headaches DAll of the above

Q:Patients with epilepsy often suffer with ______________ as well.

The correct answer is: D All of the above

Explanation:

Studies indicate an association between migraine headache and epilepsy. Also found to be associated with epilepsy are mood disorders including anxiety, ADHD, psychosis, depression, and personality disorders.

Q:What is the underlying cause of epileptic seizures?

ABarometric pressure BCongenital defects CAbnormal electrical activity in the brain DAllergies

Q:What is the underlying cause of epileptic seizures?

The correct answer is: C Abnormal electrical activity in the brain

Explanation:

Seizures occur because the brain becomes irritated and an "electrical storm" occurs. This "electrical storm" occurs because the normal connections between the cells in the brain do not function properly. This causes the brain to try to shut down because of the electrical surge. Irritation of the brain tissue has many causes such as lack of oxygen before, during or after birth, brain tissue malformations, brain infections, and other chemical, genetic and metabolic problems.

Q:There are no medical tests to diagnose epilepsy.

• True • False

Q:There are no medical tests to diagnose epilepsy.

The correct answer is: • False

Explanation:

An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a test that can help diagnose epilepsy by recording electrical signals in the brain. The activity is detected by sensors placed on the patient's scalp and transmitted to a polygraph that records the activity.

Q:Epilepsy treatment usually includes fasting.

• True • False

Q:Epilepsy treatment usually includes fasting.

The correct answer is: • False

Explanation:

When fasting, the body creates ketones, a by-product of fat-burning metabolism. Although fasting or a fat-rich diet has been used to try to control epilepsy and seizures, it is not a common way to treat patients. The NIH is examining the safety and effectiveness of such treatments currently since seizures often lessen or disappear during periods of fasting in some individuals with epilepsy. Other more common treatments include medications and surgery. The main treatments of epilepsy are antiepileptic drugs (about 70% to 80% of patients).

Q:Some seizures are a medical emergency and 911 should be called.

• True • False

Q:Some seizures are a medical emergency and 911 should be called.

The correct answer is: • True

Explanation:

Most seizures aren't an emergency. They usually stop on their own with no permanent ill effects, but there are times when 911 should be called such as:
- If this is a person's first seizure
- If the seizures are longer than normal
- If the seizures repeat over a few minutes
- If consciousness is not regained

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Reviewed by Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD on February 23, 2011

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Sources:

CDC: Epilepsy
<http://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy>

MedicineNet: Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder)
<http://www.medicinenet.com/seizure/article.htm>

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH):
<http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/epilepsy/detail_epilepsy.htm#172883109>

WebMD: Epilepsy Seizure Types and Symptoms
<http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/types-of-seizures-their-symptoms>

ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH)
<http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00642564>

NIH: Depression in Epilepsy Is Much More Than a Reactive Process
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC321223/>

PubMed.gov: Psychiatric Comorbidities in Epilepsy: Identification and Treatment
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19225366>

MedicineNet: Seizure Symptoms: How to Assist the Victim
<http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10312>

American Association of Family Physicians Brain Disorders
<http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/brain/disorders/214.html>

WebMD: Epilepsy and the Electroencephalogram
<http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/electroencephalogram-eeg>

WebMD: Epilepsy and the Ketogenic Diet
<http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/ketogenic-diet>

MedicineNet: Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery
<http://www.medicinenet.com/pediatric_epilepsy_surgery/page3.htm>

National Institutes of Health: Epilepsy
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001714#adam_000694.disease.complications>

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the RxList Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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home > quizzes a-z listing > epilepsy and seizures quiz: test your medical iq

Epilepsy and Seizures Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

Q: If you have had a seizure, it means you have epilepsy.

Q: If you have had a seizure, it means you have epilepsy.

Q:What is a powerful behavioral trigger of seizures?

Q:What is a powerful behavioral trigger of seizures?

Q:What is the most common type of seizure?

Q:What is the most common type of seizure?

Q:Epilepsy was first discovered in 1950.

Q:Epilepsy was first discovered in 1950.

Q:Patients with epilepsy often suffer with ______________ as well.

Q:Patients with epilepsy often suffer with ______________ as well.

Q:What is the underlying cause of epileptic seizures?

Q:What is the underlying cause of epileptic seizures?

Q:There are no medical tests to diagnose epilepsy.

Q:There are no medical tests to diagnose epilepsy.

Q:Epilepsy treatment usually includes fasting.

Q:Epilepsy treatment usually includes fasting.

Q:Some seizures are a medical emergency and 911 should be called.

Q:Some seizures are a medical emergency and 911 should be called.

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