AEMCA Practice Exam

What characterizes an absence seizure?

1. Loss of motor function with no awareness

2. A brief loss of consciousness with some motor tics

3. Severe convulsions and injury

4. Persistent muscle pain and confusion

The correct answer is: A brief loss of consciousness with some motor tics

An absence seizure is characterized by a brief loss of consciousness, during which the individual may exhibit minor motor activity such as eye blinking or subtle facial movements, sometimes referred to as motor tics. This type of seizure typically lasts for just a few seconds and can occur multiple times throughout the day. There’s no memory of the event afterward, and the person generally returns to their normal activity as if nothing happened. This distinguishing feature helps differentiate absence seizures from more severe forms of seizures, which might involve convulsions or confusion. Seizures categorized by severe convulsions and injury or persistent muscle pain and confusion do not accurately describe absence seizures, as they involve more significant physical activity and conscious awareness than what occurs during an absence seizure.