American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What type of seizures are characterized by disturbances in awareness and may include behaviors such as lip smacking?

1. Simple partial seizures

2. Complex partial seizures

3. Tonic-clonic seizures

4. Absence seizures

The correct answer is: Complex partial seizures

Complex partial seizures are characterized by disturbances in awareness and often include automatic behaviors, such as lip smacking, repetitive movements, or other non-purposeful actions. These seizures typically arise from a focal area of the brain, often the temporal lobe, leading to a disruption in consciousness. During a complex partial seizure, individuals may also exhibit signs of confusion or altered responsiveness, and they typically do not recall the episode afterward. This distinct presentation sets complex partial seizures apart from other types. For example, simple partial seizures do not impair awareness; instead, individuals remain fully conscious despite experiencing motor or sensory symptoms. Tonic-clonic seizures involve a loss of consciousness as well but are characterized by a more generalized convulsive activity rather than the subtle, often automatic behaviors seen in complex partial seizures. Absence seizures are brief lapses in consciousness, generally without any observable motor activity like lip smacking, and are very different in presentation. Understanding these characteristics is essential for accurately diagnosing seizure types and implementing appropriate management strategies.