Neurology: absence epilepsy: 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.

Try it

Pediatrics · Neurology: absence epilepsy

Sample item

A 7-year-old has frequent staring spells of 10 seconds that are provoked by hyperventilation, with a 3 Hz spike-and-wave EEG. What is the drug of choice?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Ethosuximide

Childhood absence epilepsy is treated with ethosuximide or valproate, and ethosuximide is preferred if absence seizures are the only type. Carbamazepine and phenytoin may worsen absence seizures. Most children outgrow the condition.

Option by option

  • A. Ethosuximide (correct)

    Correct. Ethosuximide is first line.

  • B. Vigabatrin

    Vigabatrin is used in infantile spasms.

  • C. Phenytoin

    Phenytoin can aggravate absences.

  • D. Carbamazepine

    Carbamazepine can aggravate absences.

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 A, Ethosuximide. Childhood absence epilepsy is treated with ethosuximide or valproate, and ethosuximide is preferred if absence seizures are the only type.

Why is "Vigabatrin" not the answer?

Vigabatrin is used in infantile spasms.

Why is "Phenytoin" not the answer?

Phenytoin can aggravate absences.

Why is "Carbamazepine" not the answer?

Carbamazepine can aggravate absences.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurology: absence epilepsy in Pediatrics. Carbamazepine and phenytoin may worsen absence seizures. Most children outgrow the condition.

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: absence epilepsy?

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.