Seizure Disorders USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 6-year-old boy presents with recurrent brief episodes of inappropriate laughter without obvious triggers. Physical examination reveals accelerated linear growth and premature pubic hair development. Vital signs show BP 118/76 mmHg, HR 92/min, RR 20/min, temperature 37.2°C, and SpO2 98% on room air. Brain MRI demonstrates a 1.2-cm midline mass near the tuber cinereum with T2 hyperintensity. Serum prolactin is elevated at 68 ng/mL. The child denies headaches. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer choices
- AInfantile spasms
- BBenign rolandic epilepsy
- CPsychogenic nonepileptic seizure
- DAbsence seizure
- EGelastic seizure from hypothalamic hamartomaCorrect answer
- FGelastic seizure from hypothalamic glioma
See the full explanation
Get the correct-answer rationale, why each distractor is wrong, the underlying mechanism, and high-yield associations — plus adaptive practice that targets your weak areas — with a free MedBoardPRO account.