1
|
The A to F of functional status in the acute setting: A scoping review. Seizure 2022; 102:61-73. [PMID: 36208570 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional status (FSt) describes the phenomenon of prolonged non-epileptic attacks that may be misidentified as Status Epilepticus (SE). The early differentiation between epileptic and functional status is crucial in order to avoid unnecessarily invasive and costly medical escalation in the latter group, including the hazards of overmedication, intubation and intensive care admission. The authors conducted a literature review of available studies describing cases of functional status to extract the common aspects of FSt seizure semiology, investigations used to differentiate from SE, and guidance for managing FSt. A search was carried out using Medline, Embase and PsychInfo databases and 3909 papers were extracted for review. 30 papers were found relevant for inclusion, describing 260 cases of FSt. FSt was found to occur more commonly in younger, female patients with a family history of epilepsy, co-morbid psychiatric diagnosis and following a recent traumatic event. Common clinical features of FSt during and after, the events were identified. While video-EEG remains the gold standard investigation for differentiating FSt from SE, many of the included studies considered the utility of other investigation modalities including serum markers and neuroimaging. One key shortcoming identified within the literature reviewed was a lack of well-defined guidance on the acute management of FSt. We offer an A-F step management plan for the immediate and longer term assessment and treatment of FSt.
Collapse
|
2
|
Bora İ, Demir AB, Ceylan D. The evaluation of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) cases with saline injection method in video-EEG monitorization unit. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2021; 79:957-962. [PMID: 34816992 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2020-0546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that 10 to 30% of patients sent to epilepsy centers with a diagnosis of refractory epilepsy are diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES). A wide variety of provocative methods are used to assist PNES diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of seizure induction on the diagnosis and prognosis of PNES. METHODS We retrospectively examined 91 patients with PNES complaints in our video-EEG laboratory. Intravenous saline was administered to all patients for induction of seizures. RESULTS Saline injection was performed in 91 patients referred to our EEG lab with PNES initial diagnosis, 57 of whom were female and 34 male. Saline injection triggered an attack in 82 patients (90%). CONCLUSIONS In this study we have concluded that provocative methods are practical, cheap and, most of all, effective for patient diagnosis. In clinical practice, explaining the diagnosis is the first and most important step of the treatment, and careful patient-doctor communication has a positive impact on patient prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- İbrahim Bora
- Bursa Uludag University, Medical Faculty, Department of Neurology, Epilepsy and Sleep Unit, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Aylin Bican Demir
- Bursa Uludag University, Medical Faculty, Department of Neurology, Epilepsy and Sleep Unit, Bursa, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Asadi-Pooya AA, Brigo F, Tolchin B, Valente KD. Functional seizures are not less important than epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2021; 16:100495. [PMID: 34805820 PMCID: PMC8585631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2021.100495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
People with functional seizures often suffer from psychiatric comorbidities. People with FS report detrimental effects on social aspects of their lives. FS are associated with a considerable direct and indirect economic burden. FS have increased rates of mortality compared to healthy controls.
Functional seizures (FS) are frequently encountered in neurology clinics, often affect young adults, and have significant negative impacts on many aspects of a person’s life. In the current narrative review, we searched the literature regarding some of the consequences of FS (i.e., psychiatric comorbidities, social consequences, costs that are associated with the condition, cognitive impairment in patients with FS, the quality of life of the people with FS, and the increased risk of mortality that is associated with FS). Evidence shows that FS have significant negative consequences, comparable in their magnitude to those affecting patients with epilepsy. The clinical and scientific communities should take steps to address these consequences through clinical care and research that prioritizes, facilitates, and expedites evidence-based diagnosis and treatment for FS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | - Benjamin Tolchin
- Yale Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kette D Valente
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ameli PA, Ammar AA, Owusu KA, Maciel CB. Evaluation and Management of Seizures and Status Epilepticus. Neurol Clin 2021; 39:513-544. [PMID: 33896531 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Seizures are frequently triggered by an inciting event and result from uninhibited excitation and/or decreased inhibition of a pool of neurons. If physiologic seizure abortive mechanisms fail, the ensuing unrestrained synchronization of neurons-status epilepticus-can be life-threatening and is associated with the potential for marked morbidity in survivors and high medical care costs. Prognosis is intimately related to etiology and its response to therapeutic measures. Timely implementation of pharmacologic therapy while concurrently performing a stepwise workup for etiology are paramount. Neurodiagnostic testing should guide titration of pharmacologic therapies, and help determine if there is a role for immune modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Alexander Ameli
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida McKnight Brain Institute, 1149 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida McKnight Brain Institute, 1149 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Abdalla A Ammar
- Department of Pharmacy, Yale New Haven Health, 55 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Kent A Owusu
- Department of Pharmacy, Yale New Haven Health, 55 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Care Signature, Yale New Haven Health, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Carolina B Maciel
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida McKnight Brain Institute, 1149 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida McKnight Brain Institute, 1149 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neurology, Yale University, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Utah, 383 Colorow Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bruzzone Giraldez MJ, LaFrance WC. Mortality in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Neurology 2020; 95:237-238. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000009861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
6
|
Outin H, Gueye P, Alvarez V, Auvin S, Clair B, Convers P, Crespel A, Demeret S, Dupont S, Engels JC, Engrand N, Freund Y, Gelisse P, Girot M, Marcoux MO, Navarro V, Rossetti A, Santoli F, Sonneville R, Szurhaj W, Thomas P, Titomanlio L, Villega F, Lefort H, Peigne V. Recommandations Formalisées d’Experts SRLF/SFMU : Prise en charge des états de mal épileptiques en préhospitalier, en structure d’urgence et en réanimation dans les 48 premières heures (A l’exclusion du nouveau-né et du nourrisson). ANNALES FRANCAISES DE MEDECINE D URGENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.3166/afmu-2020-0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
La Société de réanimation de langue française et la Société française de médecine d’urgence ont décidé d’élaborer de nouvelles recommandations sur la prise en charge de l’état mal épileptique (EME) avec l’ambition de répondre le plus possible aux nombreuses questions pratiques que soulèvent les EME : diagnostic, enquête étiologique, traitement non spécifique et spécifique. Vingt-cinq experts ont analysé la littérature scientifique et formulé des recommandations selon la méthodologie GRADE. Les experts se sont accordés sur 96 recommandations. Les recommandations avec le niveau de preuve le plus fort ne concernent que l’EME tonico-clonique généralisé (EMTCG) : l’usage des benzodiazépines en première ligne (clonazépam en intraveineux direct ou midazolam en intramusculaire) est recommandé, répété 5 min après la première injection (à l’exception du midazolam) en cas de persistance clinique. En cas de persistance 5 min après cette seconde injection, il est proposé d’administrer la seconde ligne thérapeutique : valproate de sodium, (fos-)phénytoïne, phénobarbital ou lévétiracétam. La persistance avérée de convulsions 30 min après le début de l’administration du traitement de deuxième ligne signe l’EMETCG réfractaire. Il est alors proposé de recourir à un coma thérapeutique au moyen d’un agent anesthésique intraveineux de type midazolam ou propofol. Des recommandations spécifiques à l’enfant et aux autres EME sont aussi énoncées.
Collapse
|
7
|
Kholi H, Bellier A, Vercueil L. PNESSE 1: Psychogenic status and status epilepticus: Could they be distinguished retrospectively? A survey among neurologists. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106665. [PMID: 31760202 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate neurologists' reliability in recognizing retrospectively a diagnosis of psychogenic status and status epilepticus (SE) based solely on clinical semiology, as reported in medical charts. METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with suspected SE, diagnosed with psychogenic status and SE, proven by video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, over a two-year period, from January 1st 2012 to December 31st 2013. Eight additional patients outside this time frame were included in this series because they had video-EEG proven psychogenic status, and they met all the inclusion criteria. The group with SE was divided into symptomatic SE (SSE) if a precipitating factor was identified, and undetermined SE (USE) if none were identified. Twenty-two neurologists from the CHU de Grenoble-Alpes were asked to fill out a survey where they were asked to score, for each patient, their agreement, using Likert scales, for the respective diagnoses of psychogenic status and SE. Their opinions were based on a provided written sheet summarizing the clinical description of the event and patients' clinical context. Neurologists were blinded to video-EEG monitoring results and final diagnosis. The level of agreement, disagreement, and the homogeneity of neurologist's responses according to the final diagnosis were then calculated. Finally, clinical data, as provided in the event's clinical description and context, considered as highly relevant by neurologists to establish an accurate diagnosis were gathered. RESULTS Eighteen neurologists completed the survey for 48 patients, including 11 diagnosed with psychogenic status and 37 with SE (30 with SSE and 7 with USE). For patients diagnosed with SE, the presence of a precipitating factor increased the likelihood and the homogeneity among neurologists of a diagnosis of SE (77%), with a specificity (Sp) of 96% and a positive predictive value of 95%. The lack of a precipitating factor significantly decreased the diagnosis likelihood of SE (55%) with a predictive value of 82%. For patients diagnosed with psychogenic status, most of neurologists agreed with the diagnosis of psychogenic status (69%) with a predictive value of 82%, although heterogeneity in the diagnosis was found. According to neurologists participating in this study, most significant terms, found in the medical charts, helping to distinguish SE from psychogenic status were "stereotypical movements", "limb myoclonus", "epilepsy", and "vigilance alteration". To differentiate psychogenic status from SE, most relevant terms used by neurologists were "resistance to eyes opening", "anarchic movements", "prolonged motor manifestations", "limb tremor" and "opisthotonus". However, analysis of the distribution of the terms among the different groups (SSE, USE, and psychogenic status) showed no significant difference. SIGNIFICANCE This study is in line with previous literature highlighting the difficulty in retrospectively differentiating SE from psychogenic status based on clinical events description recorded in the medical chart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Kholi
- EFSN, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38043 Grenoble, France.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ryznar E, Wilcox D. Functional Coma: Two Case Reports and a Review of the Literature. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2019; 60:343-351. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
9
|
Seneviratne U, Low ZM, Low ZX, Hehir A, Paramaswaran S, Foong M, Ma H, Phan TG. Medical health care utilization cost of patients presenting with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsia 2018; 60:349-357. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.14625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Udaya Seneviratne
- Department of Neurology Monash Medical Centre Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Medicine School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Zhi Mei Low
- Department of Neurology Monash Medical Centre Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Zhi Xuen Low
- Monash School of Medicine Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Angela Hehir
- Department of Neurology Monash Medical Centre Clayton Victoria Australia
| | | | - Monica Foong
- Department of Neurology Monash Medical Centre Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Henry Ma
- Department of Neurology Monash Medical Centre Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Medicine School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Thanh G. Phan
- Department of Neurology Monash Medical Centre Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Medicine School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kirsten A, Linder S, Olbrich S. [Perspectives for the Electroencephalogram in Psychiatry]. PRAXIS 2018; 107:837-843. [PMID: 30043707 DOI: 10.1024/1661-8157/a003028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Perspectives for the Electroencephalogram in Psychiatry Abstract. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive and cost-effective method to monitor spontaneous neuronal activity over time. Pathologies in EEG recordings indicate with high sensitivity but low specificity abnormal functional brain states. The main psychiatric indications for EEG recordings include atypical clinical symptoms of a neuropsychiatric syndrome or atypical reactions to medication as well as a baseline diagnostic before starting treatment with specific drugs or stimulation modalities. In recent research the EEG continues to be a valuable tool not only in diagnostics but also for the prediction of treatment success. The following paper focuses on basic electrophysiological understanding of EEG recordings, the diagnostic value of EEG recordings in different clinical entities, and new research attempts in diagnostic and treatment prediction.
Collapse
|
11
|
Spitzer C, Eckhardt-Henn A. Dissoziative Anfälle. PSYCHOTHERAPEUT 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00278-017-0256-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
12
|
Whitehead K, Kane N, Wardrope A, Kandler R, Reuber M. Proposal for best practice in the use of video-EEG when psychogenic non-epileptic seizures are a possible diagnosis. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2017; 2:130-139. [PMID: 30214985 PMCID: PMC6123876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The gold-standard for the diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) is capturing an attack with typical semiology and lack of epileptic ictal discharges on video-EEG. Despite the importance of this diagnostic test, lack of standardisation has resulted in a wide variety of protocols and reporting practices. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of research findings on the diagnostic video-EEG procedure, in both the adult and paediatric literature. We discuss how uncertainties about the ethical use of suggestion can be resolved, and consider what constitutes best clinical practice. We stress the importance of ictal observation and assessment and consider how diagnostically useful information is best obtained. We also discuss the optimal format of video-EEG reports; and of highlighting features with high sensitivity and specificity to reduce the risk of miscommunication. We suggest that over-interpretation of the interictal EEG, and the failure to recognise differences between typical epileptic and nonepileptic seizure manifestations are the greatest pitfalls in neurophysiological assessment of patients with PNES. Meanwhile, under-recognition of semiological pointers towards frontal lobe seizures and of the absence of epileptiform ictal EEG patterns during some epileptic seizure types (especially some seizures not associated with loss of awareness), may lead to erroneous PNES diagnoses. We propose that a standardised approach to the video-EEG examination and the subsequent written report will facilitate a clear communication of its import, improving diagnostic certainty and thereby promoting appropriate patient management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley Whitehead
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nick Kane
- Grey Walter Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Ros Kandler
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Seneviratne U, Minato E, Paul E. How reliable is ictal duration to differentiate psychogenic nonepileptic seizures from epileptic seizures? Epilepsy Behav 2017; 66:127-131. [PMID: 28039841 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We sought to investigate (1) differences in ictal duration between psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and epileptic seizures (ES), (2) the odds of being PNES when seizures last ≥5min, and (3) the value of ictal duration as a diagnostic test to differentiate PNES from ES. We retrospectively reviewed video-EEG recordings and tabulated ictal durations of all PNES and ES. We estimated the mean ictal durations of PNES and ES using linear mixed models. The odds of being PNES when seizures last ≥5min were estimated using logistic regression. We used receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves to study the overall diagnostic accuracy of ictal duration in differentiating PNES from ES. We studied 441 ES and 341 PNES recorded from 138 patients. The mean ictal duration of PNES (148.7s, 95% CI: 115.2-191.8) was significantly longer (p<0.001) than that of ES (47.7s, 95% CI: 37.6-60.6). The odds of being PNES was about 24 times higher (Odds ratio: 23.8, 95% CI: 7.9-71.3) when the ictal duration was ≥5min. The ROC curve yielded an area under the curve of 0.80 (95% CI 0.73-0.88). Youden's index identified 123.5s as the optimal threshold to diagnose PNES with 65% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Our results indicate that ictal duration is a useful test to raise suspicion of PNES. When a seizure lasts ≥5min, it is 24 times more likely to be PNES with the potential risk of misdiagnosis as status epilepticus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Udaya Seneviratne
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Erica Minato
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Eldho Paul
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Haematology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Personalities of patients with nonepileptic psychogenic status. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 52:143-8. [PMID: 26414344 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The purposes of this study were to determine whether personalities of patients with nonepileptic psychogenic status (NEPS) are different from those of patients with typical intermittent psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (iPNES) using the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and to compare their PAI profiles with the population norms. We hypothesized that patients with NEPS have more psychopathology compared with patients with iPNES and that, as a group, patients with PNES (iPNES+NEPS) would have more psychopathology compared with healthy individuals. We first compared the PAI profiles of patients with iPNES and NEPS and then the profiles of patients with NEPS, iPNES, and PNES with population norms in order to assess which PAI specific scales differed between groups in order to better characterize the psychopathology of PNES. All patients admitted for diagnostic evaluation to the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) were prospectively approached for participation. All patient/family interviews were conducted by an epileptologist, and the diagnosis of iPNES or NEPS was confirmed in all cases through video/EEG and/or family interview. The population norms for PAI were obtained from the manual. Of the 224 approached patients, 130 completed the PAI, and included 43 iPNES and 11 with NEPS. There were no significant differences between the two groups in regard to demographic or PAI profiles. Comparison with population norms revealed the presence of abnormal personality profiles on all scales in patients with iPNES, NEPS, or PNES. We conclude that while the occurrence of NEPS is relatively common in patients with PNES, the demographic characteristics and personality profiles of patients with NEPS are not different from those of patients with iPNES. We also confirmed the presence of significant psychopathology in the group with PNES when compared with population norms.
Collapse
|
15
|
Dworetzky BA, Weisholtz DS, Perez DL, Baslet G. A clinically oriented perspective on psychogenic nonepileptic seizure-related emergencies. Clin EEG Neurosci 2015; 46:26-33. [PMID: 25780265 DOI: 10.1177/1550059414566880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) can present emergently and are often mistaken for epileptic seizures. PNES emergencies have not been well studied, and yet there are associated serious morbidities, particularly when patients are seen in an emergency setting and are misdiagnosed. PNES may be prolonged, mimicking status epilepticus, a condition we refer to as nonepileptic psychogenic status (NEPS), and patients may receive aggressive and unnecessary medical treatments that can lead to serious iatrogenic complications, including death. NEPS is also associated with an increased risk of self-harm, including suicide attempts, and may indicate a serious comorbid psychiatric illness. In addition to iatrogenic complications of PNES, accidents and injuries are an underrecognized source of morbidity. PNES may also present during medical procedures, which may not only interfere with their completion, but may alarm practitioners who, fearing liability, may initiate further medical evaluations and treatments. When PNES occur during pregnancy, patients may be misdiagnosed with eclampsia and their offspring delivered prematurely. They also risk being placed on medications that are harmful to the fetus. Increased awareness of PNES is necessary to prevent iatrogenic harm and to identify underlying psychiatric illnesses that carry their own risks. As yet, data available to guide treatment are scant, and further study is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Dworetzky
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel S Weisholtz
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David L Perez
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gaston Baslet
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
The economic cost of nonepileptic attack disorder in Ireland. Epilepsy Behav 2014; 33:45-8. [PMID: 24632352 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study endeavored to calculate a conservative estimate of both incidence- and prevalence-based costs of nonepileptic attack disorder (NEAD) in Ireland by applying previously identified prevalence figures to Irish population figures. Variables related to the economic cost of NEAD were identified based on a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with NEAD at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. The annual cost per patient of undiagnosed NEAD was calculated as €20,995.30. The combined cost of diagnosis and psychological treatment of NEAD was estimated at €8728. Although it is difficult to determine precise economic costings, early diagnosis and intervention would result in a significant economic saving to the exchequer, a reduction in hospital waiting-list times, and a better prognosis for patients.
Collapse
|
17
|
Prolonged psychogenic nonepileptic seizures or pseudostatus. Epilepsy Behav 2014; 31:304-6. [PMID: 24262782 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine if patients with episodes of prolonged psychogenic nonepileptic seizures or pseudostatus are different from those with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs) without prolonged attacks regarding their demographic and clinical characteristics and factors potentially predisposing to PNESs. METHODS In this prospective study, all patients with a clinical diagnosis of PNESs (based on ictal recordings) were recruited at the outpatient epilepsy clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from 2008 through 2013. The epileptologist interviewed all the patients. We compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with PNES-status with those with PNES-only. RESULTS Two hundred and eleven patients were studied. Forty-nine patients (23.2%) reported episodes of PNES-status, and 162 patients (76.8%) did not report PNES-status. There were no significant differences between these two groups of patients regarding the demographic and clinical characteristics and factors potentially predisposing to PNESs. CONCLUSION Psychogenic nonepileptic seizure status (PNES-status) is relatively common among patients with PNESs. It seems that patients with PNES-status are not different from those with PNES-only, at least regarding the demographic and clinical characteristics and factors potentially predisposing to PNESs.
Collapse
|
18
|
Reilly C, Menlove L, Fenton V, Das KB. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures in children: A review. Epilepsia 2013; 54:1715-24. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.12336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colin Reilly
- Research Department; Young Epilepsy; Surrey; United Kingdom
| | - Leanne Menlove
- Research Department; Young Epilepsy; Surrey; United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fritzsche K, Baumann K, Götz-Trabert K, Schulze-Bonhage A. Dissociative seizures: a challenge for neurologists and psychotherapists. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 110:263-8. [PMID: 23667393 PMCID: PMC3647137 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2013.0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of dissociative seizures is between 2 and 33 sufferers per 100,000 persons. 70% of sufferers are women. Dissociative seizures markedly impair quality of life. Their close superficial resemblance to epileptic seizures makes them hard to diagnose. METHODS Selective literature search in PubMed and PsycINFO. RESULTS Persons with dissociative seizures constitute a mixed group with a wide variety of predisposing, precipitating, and maintaining factors. Some 90% have comorbid psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, somatoform disorders, personality disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Video-EEG monitoring enables highly reliable diagnosis. Psychotherapy is considered the treatment of first choice; in prospective studies, it has been found to lower the frequency of dissociative seizures by at least 50%, or to eliminate them completely, in 50% to 80% of patients. An individually tailored combination of behavioral therapeutic, imagery-based, and psychodynamic approaches seems reasonable. For the treatment of psychiatric comorbidities, psychotherapy is indicated, in combination with psychoactive drugs if necessary. Before any treatment is provided, the diagnosis should be communicated to the patient in an appropriate way, ideally by both the neurologist and the psychotherapist, so that the patient can develop an alternative disease model. CONCLUSION When the diagnosis of dissociative seizures has been made, psychotherapy is indicated, possibly in combination with psychoactive medication, in the setting of long-term treatment provided in collaboration by the neurologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and family physician. Further randomized trials are needed to determine which treatments are best for which subgroups of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Fritzsche
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Brown RJ, Syed TU, Benbadis S, LaFrance WC, Reuber M. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2011; 22:85-93. [PMID: 21450534 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This review by three established clinicians/researchers and two 'rising stars' in the field of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) describes recent progress in this area and highlights priorities for future research. Empirically testable models of PNES are emerging but many questions about the aetiology of PNES remain unanswered at present. Video-EEG has made it possible for doctors to make secured diagnoses of PNES in more cases. However, unacceptable diagnostic delays and misdiagnoses are still common. Non-specific EEG changes are often misinterpreted as evidence of epilepsy. A better understanding of the symptomatology of PNES may allow earlier and more accurate diagnoses using self-report questionnaires. The communication of the diagnosis and the engagement of patient in psychological treatment can be difficult. A recent pilot RCT has demonstrated the effectiveness of a psychological treatment in reducing seizures in the short term, but longer-term effectiveness is yet to be demonstrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Brown
- Division of Clinical Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Syed TU, LaFrance WC, Kahriman ES, Hasan SN, Rajasekaran V, Gulati D, Borad S, Shahid A, Fernandez-Baca G, Garcia N, Pawlowski M, Loddenkemper T, Amina S, Koubeissi MZ. Can semiology predict psychogenic nonepileptic seizures? a prospective study. Ann Neurol 2011; 69:997-1004. [DOI: 10.1002/ana.22345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2010] [Revised: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
22
|
LaFrance WC, Benbadis SR. Differentiating Frontal Lobe Epilepsy from Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures. Neurol Clin 2011; 29:149-62, ix. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|