Repeated USMLE Questions Step 2 CK- 251

A 17 year old male student presents to the clinic with episodes of starring with lip smacking. He reports that he became unresponsive when he has these episodes. These episodes last for 1-2 minutes and he feels confused when he retains his consciousness. General, neurological examinations and EEG are normal.

What is the most likely diagnosis?

A-Absence seizure

B-Simple focal seizure

C-Complex focal seizure

D-Myoclonic seizure

E-Tonic-clonic seizure

Answer






The is a case of complex focal seizure which is characterized by loss of consciousness accompanied by doing things such as gag, laugh, cry or smack patient’s lips. It takes a few minutes to awake. It is different from simple focal seizure and absence seizures in loss of consciousness and longer time. Myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizure are causing jerky movements.

The correct answer is C