Seizure Disorders USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 3-year-old boy presents with multiple daily episodes of sudden staring and unresponsiveness lasting 5-10 seconds, occurring 10-20 times per day. Vital signs are normal: BP 95/60 mmHg, HR 88/min, RR 22/min, temp 37°C. Between episodes, he is completely alert with no post-ictal confusion or fatigue. EEG demonstrates characteristic 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges. Neuroimaging is unremarkable. He takes no medications. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer choices
- AAbsence seizureCorrect answer
- BFebrile seizure
- CGeneralized tonic-clonic seizure
- DInfantile spasm
- EComplex partial seizure
- FAtonic seizure
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.