Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What is a characteristic symptom of epilepsy?

1. Persistent headache

2. Recurrent seizures

3. Loss of alertness

4. Nausea

The correct answer is: Recurrent seizures

Recurrent seizures are a defining characteristic symptom of epilepsy. The condition is primarily identified through the occurrence of two or more unprovoked seizures that happen over a period of time. These seizures can vary widely in their presentation and intensity, impacting different areas of the brain and therefore affecting various functions, including movement, sensation, awareness, and behavior. While persistent headaches, loss of alertness, and nausea may occur in patients with other medical conditions or even as part of a seizure episode, they are not specific indicators of epilepsy. Persistent headaches can indicate a range of conditions, loss of alertness can be temporary and caused by numerous factors, and nausea is often associated with a variety of gastrointestinal issues or side effects from medications rather than solely being linked to epilepsy. Thus, the hallmark symptom of epilepsy remains the recurrent seizures, which is foundational to the diagnosis and understanding of the condition.