Seizures and Epileps An Overview for Neuroscientists

Question 1: Sudden, brief, rapid jerks, involving the trunk or limbs may be consistent with: a myoclonic seizure. Correct an absent seizure. a myoclonic atonic seizure. a focal seizure with impairment of consciousness. Explanation: A patient experiencing a myoclonic seizure manifests sudden, brief, rapid jerks, involving the trunk or limbs. A sudden brief lapse of consciousness with momentary blinking, staring, or movements of the lips and hands but no falling is consistent with an absent seizure. During a myoclonic atonic seizure, the patient experiences a sudden loss of consciousness with falling but no movements. Injury may occur. Focal seizures with impairment of consciousness the person appears confused. Automatisms include automatic motor behaviors such as chewing, smacking the lips, walking about, and unbuttoning clothes. Question 2: Which of the following neurological assessment findings indicate the need for further evaluation? Lifting one foot and then the other when the infant is held upright with the feet touching a solid surface Fanning and hyperextension of the toes when the sole is stroked upward from the heel Grasping a finger placed in the neonate's palm Weak and ineffective sucking movements Correct Explanation: Weak and ineffective sucking movements would indicate the need for further evaluation since any weak, absent, asymmetrical or fine jumping movements would suggest neurological system disorders. The other choices represent common reflexes found in the normal newborn: Babinski, grasping, and stepping. Question 3: An example of proximal weakness is: the right shoulder. Correct the right hand.