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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.
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Cruickshank M, Imamura M, Booth C, Aucott L, Counsell C, Manson P, Scotland G, Brazzelli M. Pre-hospital and emergency department treatment of convulsive status epilepticus in adults: an evidence synthesis. Health Technol Assess 2022; 26:1-76. [PMID: 35333156 PMCID: PMC8977974 DOI: 10.3310/rsvk2062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Convulsive status epilepticus is defined as ≥ 5 minutes of either continuous seizure activity or repetitive seizures without regaining consciousness. It is regarded as an emergency condition that requires prompt treatment to avoid hospitalisation and to reduce morbidity and mortality. Rapid pre-hospital first-line treatment of convulsive status epilepticus is currently benzodiazepines, administered either by trained caregivers in the community (e.g. buccal midazolam, rectal diazepam) or by trained health professionals via intramuscular or intravenous routes (e.g. midazolam, lorazepam). There is a lack of clarity about the optimal treatment for convulsive status epilepticus in the pre-hospital setting. OBJECTIVES To assess the current evidence on the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatments for adults with convulsive status epilepticus in the pre-hospital setting. DATA SOURCES We searched major electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo®, CINAHL, CENTRAL, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Health Technology Assessment Database, Research Papers in Economics, and the ISPOR Scientific Presentations Database, with no restrictions on publication date or language of publication. Final searches were carried out on 21 July 2020. REVIEW METHODS Systematic review of randomised controlled trials assessing adults with convulsive status epilepticus who received treatment before or on arrival at the emergency department. Eligible treatments were any antiepileptic drugs offered as first-line treatments, regardless of their route of administration. Primary outcomes were seizure cessation, seizure recurrence and adverse events. Two reviewers independently screened all citations identified by the search strategy, retrieved full-text articles, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included trials. Results were described narratively. RESULTS Four trials (1345 randomised participants, of whom 1234 were adults) assessed the intravenous or intramuscular use of benzodiazepines or other antiepileptic drugs for the pre-hospital treatment of convulsive status epilepticus in adults. Three trials at a low risk of bias showed that benzodiazepines were effective in stopping seizures. In particular, intramuscular midazolam was non-inferior to intravenous lorazepam. The addition of levetiracetam to clonazepam did not show clear advantages over clonazepam alone. One trial at a high risk of bias showed that phenobarbital plus optional phenytoin was more effective in terminating seizures than diazepam plus phenytoin. The median time to seizure cessation from drug administration varied from 1.6 minutes to 15 minutes. The proportion of people with recurrence of seizures ranged from 10.4% to 19.1% in two trials reporting this outcome. Across trials, the rates of respiratory depression among participants receiving active treatments were generally low (from 6.4% to 10.6%). The mortality rate ranged from 2% to 7.6% in active treatment groups and from 6.2% to 15.5% in control groups. Only one study based on retrospective observational data met the criteria for economic evaluation; therefore, it was not possible to draw any robust conclusions on cost-effectiveness. LIMITATIONS The limited number of identified trials and their differences in terms of treatment comparisons and outcomes hindered any meaningful pooling of data. None of the included trials was conducted in the UK and none assessed the use of buccal midazolam or rectal diazepam. The review of economic evaluations was hampered by lack of suitable data. CONCLUSIONS Both intravenous lorazepam and intravenous diazepam administered by paramedics are more effective than a placebo in the treatments of adults with convulsive status epilepticus, and intramuscular midazolam is non-inferior to intravenous lorazepam. Large well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish which benzodiazepines are more effective and preferable in the pre-hospital setting. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42020201953. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 20. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mari Imamura
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Lorna Aucott
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Carl Counsell
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK
- NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Paul Manson
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Graham Scotland
- Health Services Research Unit and Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Miriam Brazzelli
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Lehn A, Watson E, Ryan EG, Jones M, Cheah V, Dionisio S. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures treated as epileptic seizures in the emergency department. Epilepsia 2021; 62:2416-2425. [PMID: 34396517 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to estimate the rate of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) among patients presenting to an emergency department with presumed seizures. We also wanted to identify factors that can assist health care professionals in determining whether these events are likely to be epileptic or nonepileptic. METHODS We performed two retrospective audits on patients who were treated for seizures in the department of emergency medicine at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. Exploratory analyses and logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the characteristics of the presentations and the relationships between our variables of interest. RESULTS In the group of all presentations with presumed seizures over a 3-month period (n = 157), a total of 151 presentations (96.2%) presentations were given a primary diagnosis of epileptic seizures. Of these 151 presentations, only 84 (55.6%) presented with epileptic seizures and 40 (26.5%) actually presented with PNES. In the group of patients who presented with prolonged and/or multiple events (n = 213) over a 1-year period, 196 (92.0%) were treated as epileptic seizures. Of these 196 presentations, only 85 (43.4%) presented with epileptic seizures and 97 (49.5%) actually presented with PNES. Several factors were identified to help risk stratify between epileptic seizures and PNES: Duration of events and of the postictal phase, number of events, presence of a structural brain pathology, mental health history, lactate levels and presence of tongue bite, incontinence, and/or vomiting. SIGNIFICANCE A large proportion of people who present to emergency departments with events resembling epileptic seizures actually have PNES rather than epilepsy-particularly those patients who present with prolonged and/or multiple events. The rate of misdiagnosis was high. Efforts need to be made to recognize patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures earlier and diagnose them correctly to avoid unnecessary iatrogenic harm and to provide adequate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lehn
- Department of Neurology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Emily Watson
- Department of Neurology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Ryan
- QCIF Facility for Advanced Bioinformatics, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Research and Statistical Support Service, Centre for Health Service Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Maryon Jones
- Department of Neurology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Vince Cheah
- Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sasha Dionisio
- Department of Neurology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Finkelstein SA, Cortel‐LeBlanc MA, Cortel‐LeBlanc A, Stone J. Functional neurological disorder in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2021; 28:685-696. [PMID: 33866653 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We provide a narrative review of functional neurological disorder (FND, or conversion disorder) for the emergency department (ED). Diagnosis of FND has shifted from a "rule-out" disorder to one now based on the recognition of positive clinical signs, allowing the ED physician to make a suspected or likely diagnosis of FND. PubMed, Google Scholar, academic books, and a hand search through review article references were used to conduct a literature review. We review clinical features and diagnostic pitfalls for the most common functional neurologic presentations to the ED, including functional limb weakness, functional (nonepileptic) seizures, and functional movement disorders. We provide practical advice for discussing FND as a possible diagnosis and suggestions for initial steps in workup and management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel A. Cortel‐LeBlanc
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Queensway Carleton Hospital Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Achelle Cortel‐LeBlanc
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Queensway Carleton Hospital Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
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Toffa DH, Poirier L, Nguyen DK. The first-line management of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in adults in the emergency: a practical approach. ACTA EPILEPTOLOGICA 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s42494-020-00016-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractDistinguishing non-epileptic events, especially psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), from epileptic seizures (ES) constitutes a diagnostic challenge. Misdiagnoses are frequent, especially when video-EEG recording, the gold-standard for PNES confirmation, cannot be completed. The issue is further complicated in cases of combined PNES with ES. In emergency units, a misdiagnosis can lead to extreme antiepileptic drug escalade, unnecessary resuscitation measures (intubation, catheterization, etc.), as well as needless biologic and imaging investigations. Outside of the acute window, an incorrect diagnosis can lead to prolonged hospitalization or increase of unhelpful antiepileptic drug therapy. Early recognition is thus desirable to initiate adequate treatment and improve prognosis. Considering experience-based strategies and a thorough review of the literature, we aimed to present the main clinical clues for physicians facing PNES in non-specialized units, before management is transferred to epileptologists and neuropsychiatrists. In such conditions, patient recall or witness-report provide the first orientation for the diagnosis, recognizing that collected information may be inaccurate. Thorough analysis of an event (live or based on home-video) may lead to a clinical diagnosis of PNES with a high confidence level. Indeed, a fluctuating course, crying with gestures of frustration, pelvic thrusting, eye closure during the episode, and the absence of postictal confusion and/or amnesia are highly suggestive of PNES. Moreover, induction and/or inhibition tests of PNES have a good diagnostic value when positive. Prolactinemia may also be a useful biomarker to distinguish PNES from epileptic seizures, especially following bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. Finally, regardless the level of certainty in the diagnosis of the PNES, it is important to subsequently refer the patient for epileptological and neuropsychiatric follow-up.
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Yon MI, Azman F, Tezer FI, Saygi S. The coexistence of psychogenic nonepileptic and epileptic seizures in the same patient is more frequent than expected: Is there any clinical feature for defining these patients? Epilepsy Behav 2020; 105:106940. [PMID: 32092456 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106940] [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: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and PNES-epilepsy coexistence within all video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring unit (VEMU) referrals and to identify semiological and electrophysiological features to differentiate patients with PNES-epilepsy coexistence from PNES-only. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed medical files, VEMU reports, and videos of 1983 adult patients. Demographical, historical, clinical, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological parameters of all patients were recorded. We classified patients into five groups as definite PNES-only, definite PNES-epilepsy coexistence, definite PNES-probable epilepsy coexistence, probable PNES-definite epilepsy coexistence, and probable PNES-only. We defined a "definite" group when we saw the ictal EEG and/or video recording of the seizure. The "probable" term is used when there is strong evidence from the history of a particular seizure type and suggestive interictal EEGs without video recordings. RESULTS Two hundred and three of 1983 patients (10.23%) had PNES. Sixty-six of patients with PNES (32.51%) had definite PNES-epilepsy coexistence. When probable cases were included, the PNES-epilepsy coexistence ratio was 53.69% within all patients with PNES. The prevalence of PNES-epilepsy coexistence was 3.32% within all our VEMU referrals. Lower high school graduation rate, earlier age of disease onset, history of status epilepticus, febrile convulsion and brain surgery, use of three or more antiepileptic drugs, and abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings supported PNES-epilepsy coexistence (p < 0.05). On the contrary, seizure duration longer than 10 min was in favor of PNES-only (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of PNES-epilepsy coexistence might be more frequent in VEMUs than expected. Some demographic and semiological features and electrophysiological findings might be useful in differentiating patients with PNES-epilepsy coexistence from patients with PNES-only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Ilker Yon
- Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Filiz Azman
- Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - F Irsel Tezer
- Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serap Saygi
- Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Ankara, Turkey
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Kholi
- EFSN, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38043 Grenoble, France.
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Golub D, Yanai A, Darzi K, Papadopoulos J, Kaufman B. Potential consequences of high-dose infusion of ketamine for refractory status epilepticus: case reports and systematic literature review. Anaesth Intensive Care 2018; 46:516-528. [PMID: 30189827 DOI: 10.1177/0310057x1804600514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Our goal was to provide comprehensive data on the effectiveness of ketamine in refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and to describe the potential consequences of long-term ketamine infusion. Ketamine, an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, blocks excitatory pathways contributing to ongoing seizure. While ketamine use is standard in anaesthetic induction, no definitive protocol exists for its use in RSE, and little is known about its adverse effects in long-term, high-dose administration. We present two cases of RSE that responded rapidly to ketamine infusion, both with fatal outcomes secondary to metabolic acidosis and cardiovascular collapse. We performed a systematic review of the application and consequences of ketamine use in RSE. PubMed, Ovid, MEDLINE and PMC were searched for articles describing ketamine treatment for RSE according to a predetermined search strategy and inclusion criteria. The systematic review revealed wide discrepancies in ketamine dosing (infusion maintenance dose range 0.0075-10.5 mg/kg/hour), but good outcomes in medically managed RSE (75% of studies reported moderate or complete seizure control in adults, 62.5% in paediatrics). Additionally, literature review elucidated a potentially causal relationship between prolonged ketamine infusion and both cardiovascular and metabolic dysregulation. Ketamine is effective in RSE by antagonising excitotoxic NMDA receptors. However, there is high variability in ketamine dosing and scarce data on its safety in long-term infusion. Metabolic acidosis and haemodynamic instability associated with the use of long-term, high-dose ketamine infusions must be of concern to clinicians administering ketamine to critically ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - B Kaufman
- Professor, Departments of Medicine, Anesthesiology, Neurology and Neurosurgery, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine is an emerging third-line medication for refractory status epilepticus, a medical and neurological emergency requiring prompt and appropriate treatment. Owing to its pharmacological properties, ketamine represents a practical alternative to conventional anaesthetics. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of ketamine to treat refractory status epilepticus in paediatric and adult populations. METHODS We conducted a literature search using the PubMed database, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and ClinicalTrials.gov website. RESULTS We found no results from randomised controlled trials. The literature included 27 case reports accounting for 30 individuals and 14 case series, six of which included children. Overall, 248 individuals (29 children) with a median age of 43.5 years (range 2 months to 67 years) were treated in 12 case series whose sample size ranged from 5 to 67 patients (median 11). Regardless of the status epilepticus type, ketamine was twice as effective if administered early, with an efficacy rate as high as 64% in refractory status epilepticus lasting 3 days and dropping to 32% when the mean refractory status epilepticus duration was 26.5 days. Ketamine doses were extremely heterogeneous and did not appear to be an independent prognostic factor. Endotracheal intubation, a negative prognostic factor for status epilepticus, was unnecessary in 12 individuals (10 children), seven of whom were treated with oral ketamine for non-convulsive status epilepticus. CONCLUSIONS Although ketamine has proven to be effective in treating refractory status epilepticus, available studies are hampered by methodological limitations that prevent any firm conclusion. Results from two ongoing studies (ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT02431663 and NCT03115489) and further clinical trials will hopefully confirm the better efficacy and safety profile of ketamine compared with conventional anaesthetics as third-line therapy in refractory status epilepticus, both in paediatric and adult populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rosati
- Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital Anna Meyer, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Renzo Guerrini
- Neuroscience Department, Children's Hospital Anna Meyer, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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Höfler J, Trinka E. Intravenous ketamine in status epilepticus. Epilepsia 2018; 59 Suppl 2:198-206. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.14480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Höfler
- Department of Neurology; Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg and Christian Doppler Medical Center; Salzburg Austria
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology; Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg and Christian Doppler Medical Center; Salzburg Austria
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Oto M, Reuber M. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: aetiology, diagnosis and management. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1192/apt.bp.113.011171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
SummaryPsychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) have a significant impact on most patients in terms of distress, disability, loss of income and iatrogenic harm. Three-quarters of patients with PNES are initially misdiagnosed and treated for epilepsy. Misdiagnosis exposes patients to multiple iatrogenic harms and prevents them from accessing psychological treatment. In most cases, the patient's history (and witness accounts) should alert clinicians to the likely diagnosis of PNES. Since this diagnosis may be resisted by patients and may involve ‘un-diagnosing’ epilepsy, video-electroencephalogram recording of typical seizures is often helpful. The underlying causes of PNES are diverse: a model combining predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors is a useful way of conceptualising their aetiology. The initial step of treatment should be to limit iatrogenic harm. There is some evidence for the effectiveness of psychotherapy.
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Kinney MO, Kaplan PW. An update on the recognition and treatment of non-convulsive status epilepticus in the intensive care unit. Expert Rev Neurother 2017; 17:987-1002. [PMID: 28829210 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1369880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a complex and diverse condition which is often an under-recognised entity in the intensive care unit. When NCSE is identified the optimal treatment strategy is not always clear. Areas covered: This review is based on a literature review of the key literature in the field over the last 5-10 years. The articles were selected based on their importance to the field by the authors. Expert commentary: This review discusses the complex situations when a neurological consultation may occur in a critical care setting and provides an update on the latest evidence regarding the recognition of NCSE and the decision making around determining the aggressiveness of treatment. It also considers the ictal-interictal continuum of conditions which may be met with, particularly in the era of continuous EEG, and provides an approach for dealing with these. Suggestions for how the field will develop are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Kinney
- a Department of Neurology , Belfast Health and Social Care Trust , Belfast , Northern Ireland
| | - Peter W Kaplan
- b Department of Neurology , Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
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Oto M(M. The misdiagnosis of epilepsy: Appraising risks and managing uncertainty. Seizure 2017; 44:143-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2016.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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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.
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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.
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25 years of advances in the definition, classification and treatment of status epilepticus. Seizure 2016; 44:65-73. [PMID: 27890484 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Status epilepticus (SE) requires not only urgent symptomatic treatment with antiepileptic drugs but also rapid identification and treatment of its cause. This narrative review summarizes the most important advances in classification and treatment of SE. METHOD Data sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and back tracking of references in pertinent studies, reviews, and books. RESULTS SE is now defined as "a condition resulting either from the failure of the mechanisms responsible for seizure termination or from the initiation of mechanisms, which lead to abnormally, prolonged seizures (after time point t1). It is a condition, which can have long-term consequences (after time point t2), including neuronal death, neuronal injury, and alteration of neuronal networks, depending on the type and duration of seizures." A new diagnostic classification system of SE introduces four axes: semiology, aetiology, EEG correlates, and age. For the acute treatment intravenous benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam, clonazepam) and intramuscular midazolam appear as most effective treatments for early SE. In children, buccal or intranasal midazolam are useful alternatives. In established SE intravenous antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin, valproate, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, and lacosamide) are in use. Treatment options in refractory SE are intravenous anaesthetics; ketamine, magnesium, steroids and other drugs have been used in super-refractory SE with variable outcomes. CONCLUSION Over the past 25 years major advances in definition, classification and understanding of its mechanisms have been achieved. Despite this up to 40% of patients in early status cannot be controlled with first line drugs. The treatment of super-refractory status is still an almost evidence free zone.
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Trinka E, Höfler J, Leitinger M, Rohracher A, Kalss G, Brigo F. Pharmacologic treatment of status epilepticus. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:513-34. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2016.1127354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Seneviratne U, Ma H, Phan TG. How do doctors in training react to seizures? Epilepsy Behav 2016; 54:104-9. [PMID: 26700064 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There are scant data on how doctors approach seizures in the acute setting. We sought to study (a) exposure to seizure disorders as well as relevant training and (b) reactions to seizures in the acute setting, among medical residents undergoing physician training. METHODS The exposure to and training on seizure disorders were assessed using a structured questionnaire first. Then, they were tested with 20 videos consisting of 10 epileptic seizures (ESs) and 10 psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs). After each video, we asked three questions to test (a) the diagnosis and the practice of administration of benzodiazepines to terminate the seizure, (b) the estimation of seizure duration, and (c) the practice of intubation. The accuracy of diagnosis was measured by the area under the summary receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). The difference between true seizure duration and estimated duration was evaluated using paired-sample t-test. RESULTS A total of 48 trainees participated in the study. The majority witnessed seizures in movies (37, 77.1%) and television (35, 72.9%). Only 12 (25%) received bedside teaching on seizure disorders. Their diagnostic accuracy of seizures was very poor (AUC=0.54). Participants significantly underestimated the duration of seizures. Thirty-five doctors made an illogical decision to intubate but not to terminate the seizure with intravenous benzodiazepine. CONCLUSIONS The diagnostic accuracy of seizures is poor among trainees, and their estimates of seizure duration are unreliable. Our study highlights potential pitfalls in the acute management of seizures and the need for more training on seizure disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udaya Seneviratne
- Department of Neurosciences, Monash Health, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Henry Ma
- Department of Neurosciences, Monash Health, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Thanh G Phan
- Department of Neurosciences, Monash Health, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Höfler J, Rohracher A, Kalss G, Zimmermann G, Dobesberger J, Pilz G, Leitinger M, Kuchukhidze G, Butz K, Taylor A, Novak H, Trinka E. (S)-Ketamine in Refractory and Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus: A Retrospective Study. CNS Drugs 2016; 30:869-76. [PMID: 27465262 PMCID: PMC4996879 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-016-0371-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to describe the safety and efficacy of (S)-ketamine [(S)-KET] in a series of patients with refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus (RSE and SRSE) in a specialized neurological intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with RSE and SRSE treated with (S)-KET in the NICU, Salzburg, Austria, from 2011 to 2015. Data collection included demographic features, clinical presentation, diagnosis, electroencephalogram (EEG) data, anticonvulsant treatment, timing, and duration of treatment with (S)-KET. Outcomes were seizure control and death. RESULTS A total of 42 patients (14 women) with RSE and SRSE were treated with (S)-KET. The median duration of status epilepticus (SE) was 10 days [first quartile (Q1) 5.0, Q3 21.0]; the median latency from SE onset to the first administration of (S)-KET was 3 days (Q1 2.0, Q3 6.8). Prior to (S)-KET administration, patients had received a median of two (Q1 2.0, Q3 3.0) anesthetics and three (Q1 2.0, Q3 4.0) antiepileptic drugs. Forty percent of patients (17/42) received propofol: 65 % prior to (S)-KET; 35 % at the same time with (S)-KET. Seven patients received a median bolus of (S)-KET of 200 mg (Q1 200, Q3 250) followed by a continuous infusion, while 35 started with a continuous infusion (maximum rate median 2.55 mg/kg/h; Q1 2.09, Q3 3.22). In 64 % of patients (27/42), (S)-KET was the last drug before SE cessation; in five patients, it was given with propofol at the same time. Median duration of administration was 4 days (Q1 2.0, Q3 6.8). Overall (S)-KET treatment was well tolerated, adverse effects were not observed, and overall mortality was 45.2 %. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of SRSE in adult patients with (S)-KET led to resolution of status in 64 %. No adverse events were found, indicating a favorable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Höfler
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria ,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexandra Rohracher
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria ,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gudrun Kalss
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria ,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Georg Zimmermann
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria ,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria ,Department of Mathematics, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Judith Dobesberger
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria ,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Georg Pilz
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria ,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Markus Leitinger
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria ,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Giorgi Kuchukhidze
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria ,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria ,Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kevin Butz
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria ,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria ,Department of Psychology, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexandra Taylor
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria ,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria ,Department of Psychology, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Helmut Novak
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020 Salzburg, Austria ,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020, Salzburg, Austria. .,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria.
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Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) represents the most severe form of epilepsy. It is one of the most common neurologic emergencies, with an incidence of up to 61 per 100,000 per year and an estimated mortality of 20 %. Clinically, tonic-clonic convulsive SE is divided into four subsequent stages: early, established, refractory, and super-refractory. Pharmacotherapy of status epilepticus, especially of its later stages, represents an "evidence-free zone," due to a lack of high-quality, controlled trials to inform clinical decisions. This comprehensive narrative review focuses on the pharmacotherapy of SE, presented according to the four-staged approach outlined above, and providing pharmacological properties and efficacy/safety data for each antiepileptic drug according to the strength of scientific evidence from the available literature. Data sources included MEDLINE and back-tracking of references in pertinent studies. Intravenous lorazepam or intramuscular midazolam effectively control early SE in approximately 63-73 % of patients. Despite a suboptimal safety profile, intravenous phenytoin or phenobarbital are widely used treatments for established SE; alternatives include valproate, levetiracetam, and lacosamide. Anesthetics are widely used in refractory and super-refractory SE, despite the current lack of trials in this field. Data on alternative treatments in the later stages are limited. Valproate and levetiracetam represent safe and effective alternatives to phenobarbital and phenytoin for treatment of established SE persisting despite first-line treatment with benzodiazepines. To date there are no class I data to support recommendations for most antiepileptic drugs for established, refractory, and super-refractory SE. Limiting the methodologic heterogeneity across studies is required and high-class randomized, controlled trials to inform clinicians about the best treatment in established and refractory status are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Ignaz Harrerstrasse 79, 5020, Salzburg, Austria,
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YouTube as a potential learning tool to help distinguish tonic-clonic seizures from nonepileptic attacks. Epilepsy Behav 2014; 37:221-6. [PMID: 25068915 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Medical students are increasingly turning to the website YouTube as a learning resource. This study set out to determine whether the videos on YouTube accurately depict the type of seizures that a medical student may search for. Two consultant epileptologists independently assessed the top YouTube videos returned following searches for eight terms relating to different categories of seizures. The videos were rated for their technical quality, concordance of diagnosis with an epileptologist-assigned diagnosis, and efficacy as a learning tool for medical education. Of the 200 videos assessed, 106 (63%) met the inclusion criteria for further analysis. Technical quality was generally good and only interfered with the diagnostic process in 8.5% of the videos. Of the included videos, 40.6-46.2% were judged to depict the purported diagnosis with moderate agreement between raters (75% agreement, κ=0.50). Of the videos returned after searching "tonic-clonic seizure", 28.6-35.7% were judged to show nonepileptic seizures with almost perfect interrater agreement (92.9% agreement, κ=0.84). Of the videos returned following the search "pseudoseizure", 77.8-88.9% of videos were judged to show nonepileptic seizures with substantial agreement (88.9% agreement, κ=0.61). Across all search terms, 19.8-33% of videos were judged as potentially useful as a learning resource, with fair agreement between raters (75.5% agreement, κ=0.38). These findings suggest that the majority of videos on YouTube claiming to show specific seizure subtypes are inaccurate, and YouTube should not be recommended as a learning tool for students. However, a small group of videos provides excellent demonstrations of tonic-clonic and nonepileptic seizures, which could be used by an expert teacher to demonstrate the difference between epileptic and nonepileptic seizures.
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Abstract
AbstractObjectives: To examine the prevalence, psychiatric co-morbidity and management of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in patients admitted to a tertiary referral Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU).Methods: Medical records of patients admitted to the EMU between 2003 and 2005 were examined and data from neurological, neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological assessments were analysed.Results: Over a three year period 224 patients were referred to the EMU and 44 (20%) were diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). A total of 13 people (6%) were diagnosed with both PNES and epilepsy. Of those diagnosed with PNES 34 (75%) were referred to psychology services for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and 26 (58%) were followed-up by psychiatry services.Conclusions: The prevalence rates for PNES and co-existing PNES and epilepsy are consistent with previous reports. Rates of psychiatric co-morbidity were less than would be expected in this clinical population. Clear evidence-based guidelines to manage people with PNES are required.
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Crises non épileptiques psychogènes (CNEP) et risque de « pseudo-status » : dix drapeaux rouges pour le clinicien. ANNALES FRANCAISES DE MEDECINE D URGENCE 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13341-013-0339-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Siebert WJ, McGavigan AD. Requirement for cardiac telemetry during intravenous phenytoin infusion: guideline fact or guideline fiction? Intern Med J 2013; 43:7-17. [PMID: 22947413 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2012.02935.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Guidelines recommend the use of cardiac telemetry when phenytoin is administered intravenously. Clinical areas where telemetry is available may not always be the most suitable place to monitor and treat these sick patients. We sought to clarify the evidence regarding the need for cardiac telemetry during intravenous infusion of phenytoin.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Siebert
- Division of Pharmacy, Flinders Medical Centre; School of Medicine, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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LaFrance WC, Reuber M, Goldstein LH. Management of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsia 2013; 54 Suppl 1:53-67. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.12106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W. Curt LaFrance
- Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology Division; Rhode Island Hospital; Brown University, Alpert Medical School; Providence; Rhode Island; U.S.A
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit; Royal Hallamshire Hospital; University of Sheffield; Sheffield; United Kingdom
| | - Laura H. Goldstein
- Department of Psychology; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; London; United Kingdom
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of refractory status epilepticus (SE) involves administration of intravenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA(A)) receptor agonists, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or propofol. Animal models suggest that reductions in synaptic GABA(A) receptors may cause these drugs to become less effective as the duration of SE increases. This may explain the large doses that are commonly required to control seizures, which in turn contributes to a high incidence of complications, including hypotension and the need for vasopressors. In contrast, expression of excitatory N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors increases with prolonged SE and their stimulation by glutamate may propagate seizure activity. Ketamine is a NMDA-receptor antagonist that is considered promising as treatment for refractory SE. Compared with other anaesthetic drugs, ketamine produces less hypotension. METHODS This report describes a patient who developed worsening hypotension with escalating doses of midazolam and propofol in the context of non-convulsive SE. He was therefore treated with ketamine within hours of being diagnosed. RESULTS Ketamine was immediately efficacious at reducing the frequency, amplitude, and duration of seizures. The dose was rapidly titrated upwards using quantitative continuous EEG monitoring, until seizures were completely abolished. SE did not recur with weaning of sedatives and he went on to have an excellent recovery. A small number of previous reports have found ketamine to abort late SE. In most cases, ketamine was administered several days into the course, and outcomes were poor even though seizures were controlled. CONCLUSION Larger series and phase I clinical trial(s) of ketamine for treatment of refractory SE seem warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H Kramer
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, ICU Administration, Ground Floor, McCaig Tower, 3134 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9, Canada.
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Woollacott IOC, Scott C, Fish DR, Smith SM, Walker MC. When do psychogenic nonepileptic seizures occur on a video/EEG telemetry unit? Epilepsy Behav 2010; 17:228-35. [PMID: 20045666 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2009.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2009] [Revised: 11/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To maximize the efficiency of diagnostic video/EEG telemetry, we retrospectively studied the occurrence of clinical events during admission in 254 patients. One hundred fifty-nine patients had psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and 95 had epileptic seizures (ES). Twenty-five with PNES and none with ES had an event before or during electrode placement (P<0.0001). In the remaining 229, the initial event occurred within 48 hours of electrode placement in 98.5% patients with PNES and 100.0% of patients with ES. Time to occurrence of initial event did not differ between groups (P=0.69). 17.1% patients with PNES and 51.6% with ES had events between 12 AM and 6 AM (P=0.001). In conclusion, during diagnostic video/EEG telemetry, most patients who experience PNES or ES have diagnostic, typical events within 2 days. Although time to initial event after electrode placement does not differ between diagnoses, events prior to or during placement are most likely PNES and events at night are most likely ES.
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Managing Critically III Patients with Status Epilepticus. Intensive Care Med 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-77383-4_76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Sen A, Scott C, Sisodiya SM. Stertorous breathing is a reliably identified sign that helps in the differentiation of epileptic from psychogenic non-epileptic convulsions: An audit. Epilepsy Res 2007; 77:62-4. [PMID: 17766088 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2007.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2007] [Revised: 06/07/2007] [Accepted: 07/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Stertorous breathing may occur after epileptic convulsions, but does not typically occur after psychogenic non-epileptic convulsions. During an 18-month audit at a tertiary referral centre in the United Kingdom, we analysed 75 convulsions arising in 45 patients and found that nursing and ancillary staff can be easily trained to reliably identify the presence or absence of stertorous breathing after a convulsion. No patient with a final diagnosis of purely psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (17 out of 45 patients) was judged to have stertorous respiration. Stertorous breathing was present in 41 out of 44 interpretable video recordings from patients with epileptic convulsions proven on videotelemetry. We suggest that a history or evidence (e.g. video) of stertorous breathing may help in distinguishing epileptic from psychogenic non-epileptic convulsive seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjune Sen
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, The Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Status epilepticus refractory to first and second-line anticonvulsants represents an outstanding challenge to the medical team. This review covers new insights into the anaesthetic and intensive care of status epilepticus. RECENT FINDINGS In the anaesthetic treatment of status epilepticus, barbiturates, midazolam, or propofol are the drugs of choice, but the lack of controlled prospective data as yet does not allow the recommendation of a preference for one of the substances, unequivocally. Recent observational studies reported on inhalational anaesthetics and supplementary nonanaesthetics such as levetiracetam or topiramate that may be administered if status epilepticus is not controlled by intravenous anaesthetics. Nonpharmacological approaches including resective surgery, brain stimulation, and hypothermia may be applied in selected patients, only. Psychogenic nonepileptic status epilepticus commonly mimics refractory generalized convulsive status epilepticus, and clinical features discerning the two conditions are presented. The underlying cause is the major contributor for a difficult-to-treat 'malignant' course of status epilepticus and together with age determines mortality and functional outcome. SUMMARY The common substances administered for the anaesthetic treatment of status epilepticus require assessment in a prospective randomized controlled trial. Alternative pharmacological or nonpharmacological approaches need further studies as well before they can be recommended as part of the therapeutic regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Holtkamp
- Department of Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
Generalised convulsive status epilepticus is one of the most common emergencies encountered in clinical practice. This review discusses the recent understanding of this life-threatening condition with reference to the definition, pathophysiology, evaluation, complications, refractory status and prognosis. Besides epilepsy, other neurological and medical illnesses could be associated with status epilepticus. The goals of management and pharmacological approach are outlined, considering the available evidence. Prompt recognition and timely intervention, including pre-hospital treatment, are therapeutically beneficial. Refractory status should be managed in intensive care units under close monitoring. More evidence is needed for evolving the optimal treatment. A suitable treatment protocol would guide in avoiding the pitfalls at various points along the management pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Nandhagopal
- Department of Neurology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India.
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Abstract
Up to one fifth of patients who present to specialist clinics with seizures do not have epilepsy. The majority of such patients suffer from psychologically mediated episodes; dissociative seizures, often referred to as "non-epileptic seizures". This paper describes the diagnostic evaluation of seizure disorders, including clinical assessment and the role of special investigations. The organic and psychiatric imitators of epilepsy are outlined and findings on psychiatric assessment are reviewed. This group of patients often proves difficult to engage in appropriate treatment and an approach to explaining the diagnosis is described. As yet there are no controlled trials of treatment in this disorder but preliminary evidence suggests cognitive behavioural therapy is both a rational and promising way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D C Mellers
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Maudsley Hospital, Room 32, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK
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Abstract
Writing this article enabled Matthew Walker to revisit the few randomised controlled trials of status epilepticus. This confirmed how poor the data are and that there is little evidence to support one treatment regimen over another
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Walker
- Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London WC1N 3BG.
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Abstract
We present a case of a 12-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with ictal phenomena suggestive of pseudoseizures. A Wood's lamp was successfully employed to induce the stereotypic phenomena and thereby identify the ictal events as nonepileptiform. Use of the Wood's lamp has not previously been reported as a provocative stimulus to induce pseudoseizures. Given its noninvasive nature and ready availability, the Wood's lamp should be considered for identification of pseudoseizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante Allen Pappano
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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Howard RS, Kullmann DM, Hirsch NP. Admission to neurological intensive care: who, when, and why? J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2003; 74 Suppl 3:iii2-9. [PMID: 12933908 PMCID: PMC1765634 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.74.suppl_3.iii2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robin S Howard
- The Batten Harris Medical Intensive Care Unit, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK.
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Ubogu EE, Sagar SM, Lerner AJ, Maddux BN, Suarez JI, Werz MA. Ketamine for refractory status epilepticus: a case of possible ketamine-induced neurotoxicity. Epilepsy Behav 2003; 4:70-5. [PMID: 12609230 DOI: 10.1016/s1525-5050(02)00643-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A 44-year-old man with treated neurosyphilis presented with subclinical status epilepticus (SE) refractory to intravenous high-dose lorazepam, phenytoin, and valproic acid over 4 days. Ketamine infusion was instituted after low-dose propofol sedation with gradual control of electrographic seizures over 72h. Reevaluation 3 months later revealed diffuse cerebellar and worsened cerebral atrophy, consistent with animal models of N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist-mediated neurotoxicity. Animal studies of prolonged ketamine therapy are required before widespread human use in SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eroboghene E Ubogu
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Hanna House 5th Floor, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-5040, USA
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Lawn ND, Wijdicks EFM. Progress in clinical neurosciences: Status epilepticus: a critical review of management options. Can J Neurol Sci 2002; 29:206-15. [PMID: 12195609 DOI: 10.1017/s0317167100001967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Although generalized tonic-clonic status epilepticus (SE) is frequently seen, an evidence-based approach to management is limited by a lack of randomized clinical studies. Clinical practice, therefore, relies on a combination of expert recommendations, local hospital guidelines and dogma based on individual preference and past successes. This review explores selected and controversial aspects of SE in adults and provides a critical appraisal of currently recommended management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Lawn
- Department of Neurology, Neurological-Neurosurgical ICU, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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43
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Abstract
Status epilepticus is a medical emergency that requires rapid and vigorous treatment to prevent neuronal damage and systemic complications. Failure to diagnose and treat status epilepticus accurately and effectively results in significant morbidity and mortality. Cerebral metabolic decompensation occurs after approximately 30 min of uncontrolled convulsive activity, and the window for treatment is therefore limited. Therapy should proceed simultaneously on four fronts: termination of seizures; prevention of seizure recurrence once status is controlled; management of precipitating causes of status epilepticus; management of the complications. This article reviews current opinions about the classification, aetiology and pathophysiology of adult generalised convulsive status epilepticus and details practical management strategies for treatment of this life-threatening condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Chapman
- Department of Neuroanaesthesia and Intensive Care, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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44
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Abstract
The approach to treatment of status epilepticus has changed because of the demonstration of decreased mortality with rapid intervention, completion of a randomized, double-blind VA Cooperative study comparing first-line agents, and further understanding of the pathophysiologic changes discovered in experimental animal studies. This article reviews the treatments of generalized convulsive status epilepticus in the prehospital, emergency department, and intensive care unit settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Smith
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital and Medical Centers, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA
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45
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Affiliation(s)
- P E Smith
- Epilepsy Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
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46
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess risk factors and management of status epilepticus and non-status epilepticus seizures at a community hospital in Saudi Arabia. The research design was a prevalence study of a convenience sample of pediatric seizure episodes admitted to a 350-bed hospital from 1992 to 1997. The mean age at presentation was 2 years, 10 months, 43% of patients had no history of seizures, and 17% were transferred from other hospitals. Fifty-nine (28%) of 212 seizure episodes were status epilepticus (SE). These SE episodes were significantly more likely than non-SE episodes to be associated with a history of seizures, prior antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy, the presence of an acute etiology, and prolonged duration of seizures before hospitalization. SE episodes were also significantly more likely than non-SE episodes to receive an inappropriate AED, to require intensive care unit admission, to suffer morbidity, and to have SE recurrence at follow-up; however, the difference in mortality was not significant. In conclusion, children with SE were more likely than those with non-SE seizures to have a history of seizures and acute brain insults, prolonged seizure duration before hospitalization, and less optimal management and outcomes. Management of SE in this referral population can be improved by more rapid access to appropriate medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Mah
- Department of Pediatrics, King Khalid National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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47
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Abstract
Generalized convulsive status epilepticus is a neurological emergency characterized by abnormally prolonged seizures. This review emphasizes recent developments that bear on our understanding of the pathophysiology and management of status epilepticus. Topics include GABAA receptor modulation during prolonged seizures, the role of genetics in susceptibility to status epilepticus, neuron-specific enolas, the Veterans Administration Cooperative Study Group trial comparison of various drug regimens, utility of the electroencephalogram in patient monitoring, emerging drug therapies and patient management in out-of-hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K Alldredge
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0622, USA.
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48
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a review of the proposed mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and therapeutic considerations associated with the use of propofol in the management of patients with refractory status epilepticus. DATA SOURCES A MEDLINE database (January 1966-April 1998) was searched for literature pertaining to status epilepticus and propofol. Additional literature was obtained from the references of selected articles identified in the search. Information from all articles published in English was considered for inclusion in the article. DATA SYNTHESIS Propofol is a unique, nonbarbiturate, anesthetic agent possessing anticonvulsant properties, although the exact anticonvulsant mechanism is unknown. Several case reports and two small, open, uncontrolled studies have described the efficacy of propofol in refractory status epilepticus. Most of these clinical reports discuss the utility of propofol after traditional treatment regimens have failed or are not tolerated. Initiation of propofol usually resulted in termination of seizure activity and/or electroencephalographic burst suppression within seconds that was sustained during the drug's use. Additionally, propofol was well tolerated. Advantages of propofol compared with traditional barbiturate anesthetic agents include better cardiovascular tolerability and a more favorable pharmacokinetic profile, allowing for rapid assessment of efficacy and neurologic assessment upon drug withdrawal. Propofol has been associated with a variety of neuroexcitatory adverse events such as opisthotonos, muscle rigidity, and choreoathetoid movements. Additionally, although the data are inconclusive, propofol has also been reported to cause seizures. CONCLUSIONS Propofol has shown promising results in the management of refractory status epilepticus when traditional therapies have failed or were not tolerated; however, controlled clinical trials are needed to better assess the comparative efficacy, neurologic adverse effects, and clinical outcome to better define its role in refractory status epilepticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Brown
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Albany College of Pharmacy, NY, USA
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49
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Abstract
Status epilepticus refers to a prolonged seizure state, usually taken as lasting 30 min or longer. This review considers recent studies of the epidemiology of status epilepticus; these have confirmed the high incidence and the high associated mortality and morbidity. Advances in the management of status epilepticus are also reviewed but despite these advances there is still a lack of good comparative studies on which to base treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Walker
- Department of Neurology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
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