Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What type of seizure occurs due to a "insult" to the body?

1. Grand mal seizure

2. Secondary seizure

3. Absence seizure

4. Simple partial seizure

The correct answer is: Secondary seizure

The correct answer is secondary seizure, which refers to seizures that occur as a result of an underlying condition or insult to the body. This could be due to various factors such as a head injury, fever, stroke, or metabolic disturbances. In these cases, the seizure activity is a symptom of a larger issue that is affecting brain function. Understanding the nature of secondary seizures is essential for EMTs, as it highlights the importance of identifying and addressing the underlying causes. This differentiates them from primary seizures, which are not caused by other medical conditions. Knowing the distinction allows for better patient assessment and management during emergencies. In contrast, grand mal seizures, also known as tonic-clonic seizures, are a type of generalized seizure characterized by loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions, but they do not specifically arise from an external insult to the body. Absence seizures involve brief lapses in consciousness typically seen in children and are not necessarily linked to bodily insults. Simple partial seizures involve localized areas of the brain and do not lead to loss of consciousness, again not directly caused by an insult. Thus, recognizing secondary seizures is crucial for effective treatment and stabilization in emergency situations.