Neurology: febrile seizure: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Neurology: febrile seizure

Sample item

A previously healthy 18-month-old has a generalized convulsion lasting three minutes during a febrile viral illness and returns rapidly to baseline, with no focal deficit. What is the most likely classification?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Simple febrile seizure

A simple febrile seizure is generalized, lasts less than 15 minutes, occurs once in 24 hours, and resolves without focal neurologic signs in the appropriate age range. The underlying fever source still needs evaluation.

Option by option

  • A. Absence seizure

    Absence seizures are brief nonconvulsive episodes unrelated to fever.

  • B. Complex febrile seizure

    Complex febrile seizures are focal, prolonged, or recur within 24 hours.

  • C. Status epilepticus

    Status epilepticus is prolonged or recurrent without recovery.

  • D. Simple febrile seizure (correct)

    Correct. This episode fulfills the simple febrile seizure pattern.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pediatrics questions

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, Simple febrile seizure. A simple febrile seizure is generalized, lasts less than 15 minutes, occurs once in 24 hours, and resolves without focal neurologic signs in the appropriate age range.

Why is "Absence seizure" not the answer?

Absence seizures are brief nonconvulsive episodes unrelated to fever.

Why is "Complex febrile seizure" not the answer?

Complex febrile seizures are focal, prolonged, or recur within 24 hours.

Why is "Status epilepticus" not the answer?

Status epilepticus is prolonged or recurrent without recovery.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurology: febrile seizure in Pediatrics. The underlying fever source still needs evaluation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurology: febrile seizure?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.