YMCA Lifeguard Practice Test

Which of the following is a chronic condition of the nervous system that causes seizures?

1. Multiple sclerosis

2. Parkinson’s disease

3. Epilepsy

4. Cerebral palsy

The correct answer is: Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can manifest in various forms, including convulsions, loss of consciousness, or unusual sensations, and the frequency and severity can vary widely among individuals. In contrast, multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease that affects the central nervous system but primarily leads to symptoms such as muscle weakness and coordination problems rather than seizures. Parkinson’s disease is mainly associated with motor control issues, such as tremors and stiffness, and is not primarily defined by seizures. Cerebral palsy, though a neurological disorder, generally affects movement and posture due to brain injury that occurs during development rather than causing the recurring seizures seen in epilepsy. Therefore, epilepsy is the correct answer as it specifically encompasses the chronic condition noted in the question, directly relating to the occurrence of seizures.