American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the most common epileptic aura associated with temporal lobe epilepsy?

1. Visual disturbances

2. A rising epigastric sensation

3. Auditory hallucinations

4. Memory loss

The correct answer is: A rising epigastric sensation

The most common epileptic aura associated with temporal lobe epilepsy is a rising epigastric sensation. This type of aura is often described as an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach, which can be accompanied by nausea. It typically occurs before a seizure and is believed to originate from the temporal lobe due to its connections with limbic structures that govern emotional and visceral responses. Temporal lobe epilepsy is characterized by seizures that arise from the temporal lobe, which is located in a region of the brain closely related to the processing of emotions and certain sensory perceptions. As a result, many individuals with this type of epilepsy experience auras that reflect activity in these areas. The rising epigastric sensation can serve as an important clinical indicator for diagnosing temporal lobe seizures. While visual disturbances, auditory hallucinations, and memory loss can also be associated with temporal lobe epilepsy, the rising epigastric sensation is specifically noted as the most common and is a key feature that distinguishes auras arising from this type of epilepsy.