Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which symptom is often observed in occipital lobe seizures?

1. Floaters and flashing lights

2. Auditory hallucinations

3. Focal weakness

4. Paresthesia

The correct answer is: Floaters and flashing lights

Floaters and flashing lights are often observed in occipital lobe seizures due to the specific role the occipital lobe plays in processing visual information. During seizures that originate in this brain region, visual disturbances can manifest as visual hallucinations, which may include the perception of bright lights, shimmering, or floaters in the visual field. This relates directly to the visual cortex's function, where abnormal electrical activity can lead to these sensory experiences. The other symptoms linked with the other choices do not typically arise from occipital lobe seizures. Auditory hallucinations are more frequently associated with temporal lobe seizures, as this area is responsible for processing auditory information. Focal weakness may occur during seizures that involve cortical regions responsible for motor control but is not characteristic of occipital lobe seizures. Paresthesia, a sensory symptom of tingling or numbness, may occur in other types of seizures but is not a standard symptom of occipital lobe involvement. Hence, floaters and flashing lights directly relate to the visual disturbances resulting from occipital lobe seizures, making it the correct answer.