Nearly Continuous Epileptic Seizures Eventually Killed Phineas Gage

question 5

Multiple Choice

Nearly continuous epileptic seizures eventually killed Phineas Gage. How did the seizures probably kill him?

• A) With nearly continuous convulsions brought on by the seizures, it would be nearly impossible to breathe.
• B) The body would be unable to maintain energy for anything but the convulsions, body temperature would drop, and circulation would eventually cease.
• C) The convulsions would disrupt the heart rate, and with the irregular heartbeat, there would be insufficient energy available and the body would shut down.
• D) Because a seizure is essentially an "electrical storm" in the brain, if this were happening continuously, the brain could not otherwise maintain the body functions.
• E) Probably, the convulsions caused by the seizures didn't really kill him, but the constant falls and banging onto the floor damaged his brain to the point where it couldn't maintain body functions.

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Definitions:

Actual Cause

Also known as "cause in fact," it is a factor or event that is a direct cause of an occurrence or injury.

Foreseeability Test

A legal principle used to determine if the harm caused was reasonably predictable as a consequence of an action or omission, impacting liability.

Contributory Negligence

Contributory negligence is a legal concept that can reduce or eliminate the plaintiff's right to recover damages if it is found that the plaintiff's own negligence contributed to the harm suffered.

Actual Damages

A sum of money equal to the real financial loss suffered by an injured party. Also called compensatory damages.