Seizure Disorders USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 9-year-old girl presents with frequent episodes of blank staring during class lasting 5-10 seconds, provoked by hyperventilation, with no postictal confusion. Vital signs: BP 110/68, HR 92, RR 18, Temp 37°C, SpO2 98%. She denies tongue biting or incontinence. EEG shows generalized 3-Hz spike-and-wave discharges during hyperventilation. Brain MRI is normal. She takes no antiepileptic medications. Which EEG pattern is most likely during these episodes?
Answer choices
- A3 Hz spike and wave dischargesCorrect answer
- BFocal temporal sharp waves only during sleep
- CPolyspike and wave discharges
- DHypsarrhythmia on EEG
- EOligoclonal IgG bands in CSF
- FPeriodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) in the central regions
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.