True/False MCQ · Neonatal Seizures
Regarding the types of neonatal seizures, the following statements are correct:
- ASubtle seizures are the commonest type
- BGeneralised tonic-clonic seizures are a recognised neonatal type
- CFocal clonic seizures may be caused by infarction or infection
- DTonic seizures make up the majority of neonatal seizures
- ESubtle seizures may include eye deviation and oral-buccal-lingual movements
Show answers and explanation
- A. True
- B. False: Generalised tonic-clonic seizures do not occur in neonates; all are focal in onset.
- C. True
- D. False: Tonic seizures are a minority (~5%), not the majority of neonatal seizures.
- E. True
Types of neonatal seizures
- Subtle seizures are the commonest (~50%) - ocular (eye deviation), oral-buccal-lingual movements, complex purposeless movements.
- Focal clonic (~25%) may be caused by infarction or infection.
- Myoclonic (~20%) and focal tonic (~5%) are less common; tonic seizures are not the majority.
- Generalised tonic-clonic seizures do NOT occur in neonates (all are focal in onset).
Why A is true
Subtle seizures are the commonest.
Why B is false
Generalised tonic-clonic seizures do not occur in neonates.
Why C is true
Focal clonic seizures may be due to infarction or infection.
Why D is false
Tonic seizures are a minority (~5%), not the majority.
Why E is true
Subtle seizures may include eye deviation and oral-buccal-lingual movements.
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