Medical Emergencies · single question
An epileptic child with autism presents for care. Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of a seizure?
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Correct answer: D. Repetitive verbal behavior
- A. Muscle spasms (tonic and/or clonic movements) ARE hallmarks of generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
- B. Unresponsiveness IS a classic seizure symptom — the patient does not respond to stimuli during the ictal phase.
- C. Loss of consciousness (or impaired consciousness) IS a hallmark of generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
- D. Repetitive verbal behavior (echolalia, scripting, or verbal stimming) is a characteristic of AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER, NOT of seizures. It may be seen in this patient as an autistic behavior but is NOT a seizure symptom. This is the EXCEPTION.
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