What Do You Know About Your Epilepsy?
A recent study undertaken by St. James's Hospital and Trinity College Dublin found that many people with epilepsy are not well informed about their condition. The study consisted in part of a 19-question True Or False questionnaire. You can test your own knowledge of epilepsy by taking the test here. Don't forget to take a look at the study results back on epilepsy. Ie. Our special National Epilepsy Week information evening in Dublin next week will look at the questions in more detail and also answer any questions you might have yourself. Entry is free and all are welcome. Read moreOur special NAtional Epilepsy O
Questions and Answers
- 1.
People with epilepsy should avoid strenuous work because this can provoke seizures.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
There is no evidence to support this claim. However people with epilepsy have to be careful that they do get sufficient rest and not overburden their metabolic systemRate this question:
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- 2.
An EEG can always prove the diagnosis of epilepsy.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
An EEG is an aid in the diagnosis of epilepsy, it does not provide conclusive proof that a person has/ hasn’t got epilepsy.Rate this question:
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- 3.
People with epilepsy are as capable as other people
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
There is no evidence to suggest otherwise. A person with epilepsy may be incapacitated during a seizure but this will be brief and temporary.Rate this question:
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- 4.
All people with seizures should avoid working with open machinery
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Every person with epilepsy should be considered for suitability for work based on their seizure type; frequency and the degree of control they have attained. Obviously they should not expose themselves or others to potential risk.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Every seizure destroys a number of nerve cells in the brain
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
It is only if a person experiences very frequent and very lengthy seizures that this may become a riskRate this question:
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- 6.
People with seizures should not swim without an accompanying person
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
It is also advisable to notify the lifeguard present so he/ she can be alert to any problems that may ariseRate this question:
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- 7.
All people with epilepsy should avoid flashing or strobing lights (eg. Disco lights, TV or computer screens
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Photosensitive epilepsy (the flickering light/ image triggers the seizure) affects only 3 – 5% of the total epilepsy population, so the majority of people with epilepsy are not at risk. It is safer however to avoid contact with strobe lighting.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In most cases, doctors can control epileptic seizures with medication
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Up to 70% of people with epilepsy can potentially have their seizures controlled chiefly through medicationRate this question:
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- 9.
If your seizures are controlled for some months, you can reduce the dose of anti-epileptic medication
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
A person with epilepsy should never alter their medication regime unless advised to do so by their medical teamRate this question:
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- 10.
All people with epilepsy have similar symptoms
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
There are many different types of epilepsy which affect people in different ways. It is important to be able to communicate your own seizure type so as to ensure you can get the most effective support where needed.Rate this question:
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- 11.
If a patient expects a seizure, he/she should take an additional dose of anti-epileptic medication
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
A person with epilepsy should never alter their medication regime unless advised to do so by their medical teamRate this question:
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- 12.
On job applications, a patient should always disclose his/her epilepsy condition
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
There is no legal obligation to disclose any medical condition, except during a medical examination. People with epilepsy should never put themselves or others at risk and to ensure one’s own safety it may important to disclose the conditionRate this question:
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- 13.
People with epilepsy can take an active part in sports
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
People with epilepsy should take an active part in all activities. They should be aware of potential dangers and take sensible precautions to ensure their safety.Rate this question:
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- 14.
An epileptic seizure always results in loss of consciousness
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
While some seizure do involve a loss of consciousness there are many where the person will be fully alert to the seizure activity but have no control over what is happening. These are called Simple Partial Seizures.Rate this question:
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- 15.
People who seize only during sleep may hold a driver’s license
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
This is one of the exemptions under the Driving Regulations for people with epilepsy. For persons who have seizures exclusively in sleep they may be declared fit to drive once this pattern has been established for no less than one year. (Previously 2 years). If a further occurrence of a seizure happens in waking a one year seizure freedom period is required.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Everyone can have a seizure, given the appropriate circumstances
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Epileptic activity can start in any brain. 60% of people who develop epilepsy have no underlying damage of developmental defect in their brain.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Blood samples can be used to measure the concentration of antiepileptic medication in the body
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
It can help identify if a person may be on too strong a dosage of medicationRate this question:
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- 18.
Epilepsy is a symptom of mental illness
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Epilepsy is not connected to mental illness it is a physical condition affecting brain functionalityRate this question:
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- 19.
If persons with epilepsy drive, they must inform the driving authorities about their condition
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
In the UK a person who is diagnosed is obliged to notify the Driving Licence Authority. Here in Ireland there is no such obligation. However when applying for or renewing a licence a person would be obliged to disclose that they have epilepsy.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
May 11, 2011Quiz Created by
Brainwave_irl
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