skip to main content

Non-convulsive status epilepticus — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateAcute Neurological PresentationsNon-convulsive status epilepticusSCE Acute Medicine

A 55-year-old man presents with acute neurological symptoms. Relevant history includes vascular, infectious or neuromuscular risk factors. On assessment, neurological examination shows focal or global dysfunction. Investigations show persistent confusion after seizure with continuous epileptiform EEG activity. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Non-convulsive status epilepticus

The key discriminator is that persistent confusion after seizure with continuous epileptiform EEG activity, which makes Non-convulsive status epilepticus the single best answer. Acute kidney injury is less appropriate because it does not address the dominant acute risk in the vignette; Acute coronary syndrome would fit a different presentation or later stage of care. Acute pancreatitis and Anaphylaxis are suboptimal because they would either delay time-critical treatment or follow the wrong acute pathway. Teaching point: SCE-style acute medicine questions usually test prioritisation using physiology, timing and a guideline-defined threshold, rather than isolated factual recall.

Reference: NICE NG217