03-03-2012, 12:00 AM
43. A 42-year-old man is brought to the physician by his wife because of a 2-month history of staring spells that last 1 to 2 minutes each. During episodes, he also smacks his lips and picks at his shirt collar. Four years ago, he was comatose for 2 weeks after sustaining a head injury in a motorcycle collision; he required 6 months of rehabilitation. He reports that, over the past year, he has had intermittent episodes of smelling burnt rubber that occur approximately every 2 weeks. He hears an intense hissing sound during these episodes. Examination shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Absence seizures
B) Complex partial seizures
C) Transient ischemic attack
D) Tourette's disorder
E) Limbic encephalopathy
A) Absence seizures
B) Complex partial seizures
C) Transient ischemic attack
D) Tourette's disorder
E) Limbic encephalopathy