Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What is the recommended drug for the treatment of general seizures?

1. Carbamazepine

2. Sodium valproate

3. Phenytoin

4. Lamotrigine

The correct answer is: Sodium valproate

Sodium valproate is widely recommended for the treatment of general seizures due to its broad-spectrum anticonvulsant properties. It is particularly effective for various types of seizures, including generalized tonic-clonic seizures, absence seizures, and myoclonic seizures. The mechanism of action of sodium valproate involves the enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity, inhibition of sodium channels, and modulation of calcium channels, which collectively help stabilize neuronal excitability and prevent the spread of seizure activity. In addition to its effectiveness against general seizures, sodium valproate is often chosen due to its favorable side effect profile relative to other options, especially in diverse patient populations. This makes it a first-line treatment in many clinical guidelines for seizure disorders. Other medications, while effective for certain types of seizures, may not have the same broad efficacy against generalized seizures. For instance, carbamazepine is often utilized for focal seizures and may not be appropriate for generalized seizure types. Phenytoin, although effective in specific scenarios, has a narrow therapeutic window and is less preferred for generalized seizures compared to sodium valproate. Lamotrigine is also effective for generalized seizures but is typically more specific for particular seizure types and may require careful