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Byington CG, Goodman AM, Allendorfer JB, Correia S, LaFrance WC, Szaflarski JP. Decreased uncinate fasciculus integrity in functional seizures following traumatic brain injury. Epilepsia 2024; 65:1060-1071. [PMID: 38294068 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The uncinate fasciculus (UF) has been implicated previously in contributing to the pathophysiology of functional (nonepileptic) seizures (FS). FS are frequently preceded by adverse life events (ALEs) and present with comorbid psychiatric symptoms, yet neurobiological correlates of these factors remain unclear. To address this gap, using advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI), UF tracts in a large cohort of patients with FS and pre-existing traumatic brain injury (TBI + FS) were compared to those in patients with TBI without FS (TBI-only). We hypothesized that dMRI measures in UF structural connectivity would reveal UF differences when controlling for TBI status. Partial correlation tests assessed the potential relationships with psychiatric symptom severity measures. METHODS Participants with TBI-only (N = 46) and TBI + FS (N = 55) completed a series of symptom questionnaires and MRI scanning. Deterministic tractography via diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) was implemented in DSI studio (https://dsi-studio.labsolver.org) with q-space diffeomorphic reconstruction (QSDR), streamline production, and manual segmentation to assess bilateral UF integrity. Fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), streamline counts, and their respective asymmetry indices (AIs) served as estimates of white matter integrity. RESULTS Compared to TBI-only, TBI + FS participants demonstrated decreased left hemisphere FA and RD asymmetry index (AI) for UF tracts (both p < .05, false discovery rate [FDR] corrected). Additionally, TBI + FS reported higher symptom severity in depression, anxiety, and PTSD measures (all p < .01). Correlation tests comparing UF white matter integrity differences to psychiatric symptom severity failed to reach criteria for significance (all p > .05, FDR corrected). SIGNIFICANCE In a large, well-characterized sample, participants with FS had decreased white matter health after controlling for the history of TBI. Planned follow-up analysis found no evidence to suggest that UF connectivity measures are a feature of group differences in mood or anxiety comorbidities for FS. These findings suggest that frontolimbic structural connectivity may play a role in FS symptomology, after accounting for prior ALEs and comorbid psychopathology severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline G Byington
- Department of Neurology, UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Adam M Goodman
- Department of Neurology, UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jane B Allendorfer
- Department of Neurology, UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Stephen Correia
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Veterans Affairs Providence Healthcare System, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - W Curt LaFrance
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Veterans Affairs Providence Healthcare System, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jerzy P Szaflarski
- Department of Neurology, UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Departments of Neurobiology and Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Bahous E, Wagner R, Herskovitz M. Functional seizures: Are they consistent over time? Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3375. [PMID: 38376023 PMCID: PMC10823445 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study showed that functional seizures (FS) are consistent in the same patient during a single video EEG monitoring (VEEG). This study aimed to check whether FS remains consistent across VEEG sessions even after several years. METHODS The study evaluated the consistency of FS across different VEEG sessions using five criteria: FS type, the main anatomical region involved (specifically, the body part most affected during the seizure), other involved anatomical regions, frequency of movements, and duration of FS. Consistency levels were categorized as low (one consistent axis), moderate (two consistent axes), and high (three or more consistent axes). RESULTS Fourteen patients were included in the final analysis. The mean time between monitoring was 3.8 ± 2.5 years (0.5-8 year). In 13 of 14 patients, the first and second monitoring events were classified into the same FS category. There was consistency in the main anatomical region involved in 9 out of 12 patients with motor FS. In 9 out of 12 patients with motor FS, the other anatomical regions involved were consistent in both sessions. The mean duration of the FS between sessions was inconsistent in most of the patients. Ten patients were classified with high consistency, one patient with moderate consistency, two patients with low consistency, and in one patient, the events were classified as inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that FS tends to remain consistent in a single patient even after several years, and there is probably no correlation between the degree of consistency and the time between VEEG sessions. These findings have implications for supporting the concept of FS as a consistent phenomenon. Additionally, they may suggest potential avenues for future research to elucidate the origins of FS. Subsequent studies are essential to validate and expand upon these preliminary observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elian Bahous
- Department of NeurologyRambam Health Care CampusHaifaIsrael
| | - Raz Wagner
- Department of NeurologyRambam Health Care CampusHaifaIsrael
| | - Moshe Herskovitz
- Department of NeurologyRambam Health Care CampusHaifaIsrael
- Technion Institute of TechnologyRappaport Faculty of MedicineHaifaIsrael
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Foley C, Kirkby A, Eccles FJR. A meta-ethnographic synthesis of the experiences of stigma amongst people with functional neurological disorder. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:1-12. [PMID: 36519449 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2155714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Functional neurological disorder (FND) causes many neurological symptoms and significant disability. It is often misunderstood by medical professionals and the public meaning stigma is regularly reported. The aim of this review was to synthesise the qualitative findings in the literature to develop a more in-depth understanding of how people with FND experience stigma to inform future interventions. METHOD This review used a meta-ethnography approach. Five databases were searched (PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE) in February 2021 and updated in July 2022 for qualitative papers in FND. Included papers were critically assessed using the critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) checklist. Data were analysed and synthesised utilising meta-ethnography. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Sixteen papers were included in the final synthesis. Four major themes emerged: stigmatized by delegitimization; stigmatized by social exclusion and rejection; coping with stigma; and stigma and identity. The results identified negative, stigmatizing attitudes towards people experiencing FND symptoms in a variety of contexts including healthcare and other social institutions. The effects of stigma led to further exclusion for participants and appeared to trigger coping styles that led to additional difficulty. Stigma is a key part of the illness experience of FND and needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciarán Foley
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Antonia Kirkby
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK
| | - Fiona J R Eccles
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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Mueller C, Sharma AA, Szaflarski JP. Peripheral and Central Nervous System Biomarkers of Inflammation in Functional Seizures: Assessment with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:2729-2743. [PMID: 38077237 PMCID: PMC10710262 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s437063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Inflammation may link trauma to clinical symptoms in functional seizures (FS). We compared brain temperature and metabolites in FS, psychiatric (PCs) and healthy controls (HCs) and quantified their associations with serum biomarkers of inflammation and clinical symptoms. Patients and Methods Brain temperature and metabolites were measured with whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and compared between groups in regions of interest and the whole brain. Relationships with inflammatory biomarkers and symptoms were assessed with Pearson correlations. Results Brain temperature was higher in FS than HCs in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) and lower in the occipital cortex and frontal lobe. PCs showed lower temperatures than HCs in the frontal lobe including precentral gyrus and in the cerebellum. Myo-inositol (MINO) was higher in FS than HCs in the precentral gyrus, posterior temporal gyrus, ACG and OFC, and choline (CHO) was higher in the occipital lobe. CHO was higher in PCs than HCs in the ACG and OFC, and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) was higher in the ACG. There were no significant correlations with the serum inflammatory biomarkers. In FS, brain temperature correlated with depression, quality of life, psychological symptoms, and disability, CHO correlated with disability, and MINO correlated with hostility, disability, and quality of life. Conclusion Some of the previously identified neuroimaging abnormalities in FS may be related to comorbid psychiatric symptoms, while others, such as abnormalities in sensorimotor cortex, occipital regions, and the temporo-parietal junction may be specific to FS. Overlapping MINO and temperature increases in the ACG and OFC in FS suggest neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Mueller
- Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ayushe A Sharma
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jerzy P Szaflarski
- Departments of Neurology, Neurobiology, and Neurosurgery, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Koreki A, Garfinkel S, Critchley H, Cope S, Agrawal N, Edwards M, Yogarajah M. Impaired cardiac modulation in patients with functional seizures: Results from a face intensity judgment task. Epilepsia 2023; 64:3073-3081. [PMID: 37611952 PMCID: PMC10952481 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although interoceptive abnormality in patients with functional seizure (FSs) has been demonstrated using explicit tasks, implicit measurements of interoception such as the effect of interoception on perceptual brain processes have not been investigated. It has been shown that perception is normally modulated by interoceptive signals related to the different phases (systole vs diastole) of the cardiac cycle (cardiac modulation effect). Given our previous findings using explicit measures of interoception, we hypothesized that cardiac modulation would be impaired in FSs. METHODS Thirty-two patients with FSs and 30 age- and sex-matched non-clinical individuals conducted a face intensity judgment task, in which their intensity rating when fearful or neutral faces was presented was compared between systolic and diastolic phases. They also conducted the heartbeat discrimination task as a measure of their capacity to integrate both interoceptive and exteroceptive information. RESULTS Patients with FSs had impaired cardiac modulation of the perception of neutral faces (corrected p = .044). Individual differences in the heartbeat discrimination task predicted the degree to which cardiac modulation occurred across the whole group (p = .028). This cardiac modulation effect was significantly associated with seizure severity (p = .021). Regardless of cardiac phase, patients rated fearful facial expressions as less intense compared to control participants (p = .006). SIGNIFICANCE These findings highlight impaired implicit cardiac modulation effects in patients with FSs. This reflects interoceptive dysfunction in patients with FSs, and an inability of the brain to integrate interoceptive signaling with perceptual processing. This may have implications for our understanding of the pathophysiology in FSs and inform novel diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Koreki
- Neurosciences Research CentreSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
- Department of PsychiatryNational Hospital Organization Shimofusa Psychiatric Medical CenterChibaJapan
| | | | - Hugo Critchley
- Brighton and Sussex Medical SchoolSussex UniversitySussexUK
| | - Sarah Cope
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience CentreSt George's HospitalLondonUK
| | - Niruj Agrawal
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience CentreSt George's HospitalLondonUK
| | - Mark Edwards
- Neurosciences Research CentreSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience CentreSt George's HospitalLondonUK
| | - Mahinda Yogarajah
- Department of Clinical & Experimental EpilepsyUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
- Chalfont Centre for EpilepsyLondonUK
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
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Kozlowska K, Schollar-Root O, Savage B, Hawkes C, Chudleigh C, Raghunandan J, Scher S, Helgeland H. Illness-Promoting Psychological Processes in Children and Adolescents with Functional Neurological Disorder. Children (Basel) 2023; 10:1724. [PMID: 38002815 PMCID: PMC10670544 DOI: 10.3390/children10111724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that subjective distress in children with functional neurological disorder (FND) is associated with stress-system dysregulation and modulates aberrant changes in neural networks. The current study documents illness-promoting psychological processes in 76 children with FND (60 girls and 16 boys, aged 10.00-17.08 years) admitted to the Mind-Body Program. The children completed a comprehensive family assessment and self-report measures, and they worked with the clinical team to identify psychological processes during their inpatient admission. A total of 47 healthy controls (35 girls and 12 boys, aged 8.58-17.92 years) also completed self-report measures, but were not assessed for illness-promoting psychological processes. Children with FND (vs. controls) reported higher levels of subjective distress (total DASS score, t(104.24) = 12.18; p ˂ 0.001) and more adverse childhood experiences across their lifespans (total ELSQ score, t(88.57) = 9.38; p ˂ 0.001). Illness-promoting psychological processes were identified in all children with FND. Most common were the following: chronic worries about schoolwork, friendships, or parental wellbeing (n = 64; 84.2%); attention to symptoms (n = 61; 80.3%); feeling sad (n = 58; 76.3%); experiencing a low sense of control (helplessness) in relation to symptoms (n = 44; 57.9%); pushing difficult thoughts out of mind (n = 44; 57.9%); self-critical rumination (n = 42; 55.3%); negative/catastrophic-symptom expectations (n = 40; 52.6%); avoidance of activities (n = 38; 50%); intrusive thoughts/feelings/memories associated with adverse events (n = 38, 50%); and pushing difficult feelings out of mind (n = 37; 48.7%). In children with FND-disabled enough to be admitted for inpatient treatment-illness-promoting psychological processes are part of the clinical presentation. They contribute to the child's ongoing sense of subjective distress, and if not addressed can maintain the illness process. A range of clinical interventions used to address illness-promoting psychological processes are discussed, along with illustrative vignettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasia Kozlowska
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (O.S.-R.); (B.S.); (C.H.); (J.R.)
- Child and Adolescent Heath and Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Olivia Schollar-Root
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (O.S.-R.); (B.S.); (C.H.); (J.R.)
| | - Blanche Savage
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (O.S.-R.); (B.S.); (C.H.); (J.R.)
- Golden Wattle Clinical Psychology, 20 Jarrett St, Leichhardt, NSW 2040, Australia
| | - Clare Hawkes
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (O.S.-R.); (B.S.); (C.H.); (J.R.)
| | - Catherine Chudleigh
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (O.S.-R.); (B.S.); (C.H.); (J.R.)
- Golden Wattle Clinical Psychology, 20 Jarrett St, Leichhardt, NSW 2040, Australia
| | - Jyoti Raghunandan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (O.S.-R.); (B.S.); (C.H.); (J.R.)
| | - Stephen Scher
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Helene Helgeland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Hospitals, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
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Sørensen NB, Nielsen RE, Christensen AE, Kjeldsen MK, Rask CU, Christensen J, Hansen AS. Treatment Provided in Children and Adolescents with Functional Seizures-A Danish Nationwide Cohort. Children (Basel) 2023; 10:1218. [PMID: 37508715 PMCID: PMC10378534 DOI: 10.3390/children10071218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional seizures (FS) are episodes of paroxysmal involuntary movements and altered consciousness without the typical changes in the electroencephalography as with epilepsy. A multidisciplinary approach is the golden standard in the treatment of FS. This study examined the cross-sectoral collaboration and treatment modalities provided to children and adolescents after a diagnosis of FS. METHOD A Danish nationwide cohort, consisting of 334 children and adolescents, aged 5-17 years, with a validated diagnosis of FS during the period 2004-2014 was studied. Medical record data were collected from diagnosing hospital departments. Management and treatment modalities from the time of diagnosis up to three months after diagnosis were explored. RESULTS The most used treatment modalities were psychoeducation (n = 289, 86.5%) and follow-up in outpatient care (n = 192, 70.6%). A cross-sectoral collaboration was initiated for a third of cases (n = 98, 29.3%). The most commonly provided treatment combination consisted of psychoeducation, follow-up in outpatient care and psychotherapy; however, only a few patients received this specific combination (n = 14, 4.2%). CONCLUSIONS The treatment applied was individualized and consisted of varying use of treatment modalities. Initiatives to curate clinical guidelines and implement a multidisciplinary treatment approach should be further explored to improve treatment for this young group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Brandborg Sørensen
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - René Ernst Nielsen
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ann-Eva Christensen
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Charlotte Ulrikka Rask
- Research Unit, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Psychiatry, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jakob Christensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Sofie Hansen
- Unit for Psychiatric Research, Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
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Argento E, Omene E, Jaeger AH, Kertes A, Mitchell KA, Necyk C, Thielking P, Lewis EC. Case report: Improvement in refractory functional seizures, depression, and quality of life with ketamine-assisted therapy. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1197409. [PMID: 37378010 PMCID: PMC10291615 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1197409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional seizures, a primary subtype of functional neurological disorder (FND), are a known cause of serious neurological disability with an increasing awareness of their impact amongst the neuroscience community. Situated at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry, FND is characterized by a range of alterations in motor, sensory or cognitive performance, such as abnormal movements, limb weakness, and dissociative, seizure-like episodes. Functional seizures are known, in part, to have psychological underpinnings; however, the lack of effective and consistent treatment options requires research and novel approaches to better understand the etiology, diagnosis and what constitutes a successful intervention. Ketamine, a selective blocker of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, has a well-established safety and efficacy profile. In recent years, ketamine-assisted therapy has shown increasing potential for treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions, building on its demonstrated rapid-acting antidepressant effects. Here we present a 51-year-old female with refractory daily functional seizures leading to significant disability and a medical history significant for major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After unsuccessful treatment attempts, the patient underwent a novel protocol with ketamine-assisted therapy. After 3 weeks of ketamine-assisted therapy followed by 20 weeks of intermittent ketamine treatment and ongoing integrative psychotherapy, the patient's seizures were significantly reduced in frequency and severity. She experienced significant improvements in depressive symptoms and functional ability scores. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case describing improvement in functional seizures following ketamine-assisted therapy. While rigorous studies are needed, this case report encourages further investigation of ketamine-assisted therapy for functional seizures and other functional neurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Argento
- Numinus Wellness Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Egiroh Omene
- Neurology Centre of Toronto by Numinus, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Angela Kertes
- Neurology Centre of Toronto by Numinus, Toronto, ON, Canada
- North Toronto Psychology, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Roberts NA, Villarreal LD, Burleson MH. Socioemotional self- and co-regulation in functional seizures: comparing high and low posttraumatic stress. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1135590. [PMID: 37255682 PMCID: PMC10225681 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1135590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional seizures (FS) are seizure-like symptoms without electroencephalogram (EEG)-based epileptic activity. Those with FS often show emotion-related dysfunction and disrupted interpersonal relationships, in which posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTS) may play a role. We sought to better understand trauma comorbidities and socioemotional processes in FS, including affectionate touch, a form of social connection linked to emotion regulation and awareness. We administered questionnaires online to a community sample of 89 trauma-exposed FS participants (FS diagnoses were self-reported), 51 with and 38 without clinical-level PTS (FS-PTShi, FS-PTSlo) and 216 seizure-free matched trauma-exposed controls (TCs), 91 with and 125 without clinical-level PTS (TC-PTShi, TC-PTSlo) per the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Checklist (PCL). As hypothesized, both FS-PTShi and FS-PTSlo reported more emotional avoidance (Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire), more emotion regulation difficulties (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale), and more perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale) than PTS-matched counterparts. FS-PTShi also reported less reappraisal (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), more loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), and less frequent affectionate touch (Physical Affection Scale) during waking and surrounding sleep than TC-PTShi, whereas FS-PTSlo and TC-PTSlo did not differ. Neither FS group differed from PTS-matched controls in emotion suppression (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire) or comfort with social touch (Social Touch Questionnaire). Among FS, FS-PTShi reported more difficulties than FS-PTSlo on nearly all measures (non-significant trend for social support). Findings underscore potential synergistic effects of FS and PTS clinical symptoms in shaping experiences of one's emotions and social world, suggesting fostering meaningful connections with others, including via affectionate touch, is an important treatment target.
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Kozlowska K, Chudleigh C, Savage B, Hawkes C, Scher S, Nunn KP. Evidence-Based Mind-Body Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Functional Neurological Disorder. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2023; 31:60-82. [PMID: 36884038 PMCID: PMC9997641 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVES • Develop and implement treatment plans for children and adolescents with functional neurological disorder (FND)• Outline a plan to increase awareness and standardize the care for patients with FND using evidence-based interventions. ABSTRACT Functional neurological disorder (FND) in children and adolescents involves the biological embedding of lived experience in the body and brain. This embedding culminates in stress-system activation or dysregulation and in aberrant changes in neural network function. In pediatric neurology clinics, FND represents up to one-fifth of patients. Current research shows good outcomes with prompt diagnosis and treatment using a biopsychosocial, stepped-care approach. At present, however-and worldwide-FND services are scarce, the result of long-standing stigma and ingrained belief that patients with FND do not suffer from a real ("organic") disorder and that they therefore do not require, or even deserve, treatment. Since 1994, the Mind-Body Program for children and adolescents with FND at The Children's Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, Australia-run by a consultation-liaison team-has delivered inpatient care to hundreds of patients with FND and outpatient care to hundreds of others. For less-disabled patients, the program enables community-based clinicians to implement biopsychosocial interventions locally by providing a positive diagnosis (by a neurologist or pediatrician), a biopsychosocial assessment and formulation (by clinicians from the consultation-liaison team), a physical therapy assessment, and clinical support (from the consultation-liaison team and the physiotherapist). In this Perspective we describe the elements of a biopsychosocial mind-body program intervention capable of providing, as needed, effective treatment to children and adolescents with FND. Our aim is to communicate to clinicians and institutions around the world what is needed to establish effective community treatment programs, as well as hospital inpatient and outpatient interventions, in their own health care settings.
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Paredes-Echeverri S, Guthrie AJ, Perez DL. Corrigendum: Toward a possible trauma subtype of functional neurological disorder: impact on symptom severity and physical health. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1192755. [PMID: 37143782 PMCID: PMC10152300 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1192755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1040911.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Paredes-Echeverri
- Functional Neurological Disorder Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrew J. Guthrie
- Functional Neurological Disorder Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David L. Perez
- Functional Neurological Disorder Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: David L. Perez
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Udofia A, Rocke T. Case report on psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A series of unfortunate events. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e6430. [PMID: 36245451 PMCID: PMC9552981 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, also called Functional Seizures, are a highly disabling form of Functional Neurological Disorder. The diagnosis of PNES could be missed in clinical scenarios where patients exhibit concurrent musculoskeletal/neurological findings. Characterization of convulsions and judicious use of diagnostics are equally valuable in establishing the diagnosis.
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13
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Paredes-Echeverri S, Guthrie AJ, Perez DL. Toward a possible trauma subtype of functional neurological disorder: Impact on symptom severity and physical health. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1040911. [PMID: 36458126 PMCID: PMC9706184 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1040911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a group, individuals with functional neurological disorder (FND) report an approximately 3-fold increase in adverse life experiences (ALEs) compared to healthy controls. In patients with FND, studies have identified a positive correlation between symptom severity and the magnitude of ALEs. While not all individuals with FND report ALEs, such findings raise the possibility of a trauma-subtype of FND. OBJECTIVE This study investigated if patients with FND, with or without probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or significant childhood maltreatment, differed in their symptom severity and physical health. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-eight patients with FND were recruited (functional seizures, n = 34; functional movement disorder, n = 56). Participants completed self-report measures of symptom severity [Somatoform Dissociation Questionniare-20 (SDQ-20), Screening for Somatoform Disorders: Conversion Disorder subscale (SOMS:CD), Patient Health Questionniare-15 (PHQ-15)], physical health [Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF36-physical health)], childhood maltreatment [Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)], and PTSD [PTSD Checklist-5 (PCL-5)]; a psychometric battery of other common predisposing vulnerabilities was also completed. To adjust for multiple comparisons, a Bonferroni correction was applied to all univariate analyses. RESULTS Patients with FND and probable PTSD (n = 33) vs. those without probable PTSD (n = 43) had statistically significant increased scores on all symptom severity measures - as well as decreased physical health scores. In secondary post-hoc regression analyses, these findings remained significant adjusting for age, sex, race, college education, and: pathological dissociation; alexithymia; attachment styles; personality characteristics; resilience scores; functional seizures subtype; or moderate-to-severe childhood abuse and neglect scores; SOMS:CD and SDQ-20 findings also held adjusting for depression and anxiety scores. In a separate set of analyses, patients with FND and moderate-to-severe childhood abuse (n = 46) vs. those without moderate-to-severe childhood abuse (n = 32) showed statistically significant increased SDQ-20 and PHQ-15 scores; in post-hoc regressions, these findings held adjusting for demographic and other variables. Stratification by childhood neglect did not relate to symptom severity or physical health scores. CONCLUSION This study provides support for a possible trauma-subtype of FND. Future research should investigate the neurobiological and treatment relevance of a FND trauma-subtype, as well as continuing to delineate clinical characteristics and mechanisms in individuals with FND that lack a history of ALEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Paredes-Echeverri
- Functional Neurological Disorder Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrew J Guthrie
- Functional Neurological Disorder Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David L Perez
- Functional Neurological Disorder Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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14
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Dal Pasquale BG, Teive HAG, von der Heyde MD, Dal Pasquale LFA. Management of Functional Seizures and Functional Movement Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:2121-2131. [PMID: 36172265 PMCID: PMC9512033 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s383552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Functional neurological disorders (FND) are conditions that cause to alterations in nervous system functions. They are disabling and impair the quality of life of patients but that are potentially reversible provided they have specific management. Functional seizures (FS) and functional movement disorder (FMD) are among the most common subtypes. Studies suggest a strong overlap between FS and FMD; however, there are still no cross-sectional studies that compare the management between these two conditions. Thus, our focus was to carry out a research that compares how these two subtypes of FND are being managed, in addition to assessing rates of understanding and acceptance of a diagnosis of FND. METHODS It is a cross-sectional study with data collected from medical records and interviews with two patients' groups (FS and FMD) treated from a FND clinic of the public health system of Brazil. RESULTS From 105 medical records of patients with FND analyzed, 60 participants were eligible and agreed to participate in this research, being FS (n = 31) and FMD (n = 29). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the use of antiseizure (FS > FMD), opioids (FMD > FS), multi-professional follow-up (FMD > FS) and rates of understanding and acceptance of an FND diagnosis (FMD > FS). Similarities were found in sociodemographic profiles, medical follow-up, psychiatric comorbidities and use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers between two conditions. CONCLUSION More similarities than differences in management were found between FS and FMD. Similarities may be related to overlaps in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups. Differences may be related to specific issues of each patient and condition. Regardless of the group, patients who perform psychotherapeutic follow-up have higher rates of understanding and acceptance of an FND diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Gabriel Dal Pasquale
- Postgraduate Program in Internal Medicine and Health Sciences, Hospital of Clinics Complex, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Hélio Afonso Ghizoni Teive
- Movement Disorders Sector, Neurology Service, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Clinics Complex, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Daudt von der Heyde
- Postgraduate Program in Internal Medicine and Health Sciences, Hospital of Clinics Complex, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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15
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Doss J. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in youth: Individual and family psychiatric characteristics. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1068439. [PMID: 36590633 PMCID: PMC9798111 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1068439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Youth with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are an understudied group associated with significant medical and psychiatric morbidity. Several studies have examined characteristics associated with youth's development of this disorder, though the exploration of family factors including psychiatric illness, has been lacking. This study sought to establish the need for a more comprehensive future study. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who had been admitted and diagnosed with PNES at the epilepsy monitoring unit at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. A total of 62 patients were included. All patients were evaluated by an epileptologist and psychologist during their diagnostic admission. "Spells" in question were captured via video EEG monitoring. PNES youth and family risk factors were assessed. RESULTS Mean age of PNES symptom onset was 13.9 years. Patients (73%) were diagnosed within 6 months of onset of symptoms. Histories of other impairing somatic complaints were present in the youth (54%), with 67% having prior psychiatric diagnoses. Experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm occurred in 47% of this sample. Family members were unaware of the history of these symptoms with 12% of the parent's reporting awareness. Family history of psychiatric disorders (first-degree relatives of patient) was present in 54% of the sample, with anxiety, depression and conversion disorder being the most commonly endorsed diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS Youth with PNES present with comorbid psychiatric disorders, though prior assessment and treatment for these disorders was not common. Youth with PNES have history of suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm, though parental awareness of these co-occurring symptoms is limited. Family risk factors, such as history of psychiatric disorder in first degree relatives, was high. The impact of these family risk factors is understudied and should be further evaluated to better understand the impact on development and maintenance of this disorder in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Doss
- Julia Doss Clinic of Health Psychology, LLC, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
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Mirzaei S, Preitler B, Wenzel T. Localizing a metabolic focus during a functional seizure with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography. World J Nucl Med 2021; 20:96-98. [PMID: 33850496 PMCID: PMC8034789 DOI: 10.4103/wjnm.wjnm_22_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term mental seizures that are difficult to differentiate from dissociative psychogenic symptoms, respectively, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Recent articles have drawn attention to the need of differentiation of psychological and brain trauma-related symptoms in survivors of violence. This case study reflects a diagnostic step in a 20-year-male who reported to have been subjected to torture, including blunt force to the head 2 years before examination. He suffers from episodical headaches followed by mental bouts of aggression and restlessness. We performed a brain 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography to identify a cerebral correlate of the psychogenic seizures. The examination yielded a hypermetabolic focus in the frontal superior parasagittal region. Psychogenic seizures can frequently be observed as culture-specific "idioms of distress" and can challenge diagnostic evaluation, especially in the victims of violence with an additional history of blunt brain trauma. The advances in molecular imaging such as PET can be expected to play a crucial role in forensic and clinical assessment in the increasing number of such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siroos Mirzaei
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine with PET-Center, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria.,Hemayat, Organisation for Support of Victims of Torture and War, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Preitler
- Hemayat, Organisation for Support of Victims of Torture and War, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wenzel
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,World Psychiatric Association Section of Psychological Aspects of Torture and Persecution, Geneva, Switzerland
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Koreki A, Garfkinel SN, Mula M, Agrawal N, Cope S, Eilon T, Gould Van Praag C, Critchley HD, Edwards M, Yogarajah M. Trait and state interoceptive abnormalities are associated with dissociation and seizure frequency in patients with functional seizures. Epilepsia 2020; 61:1156-1165. [PMID: 32501547 PMCID: PMC7737228 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dissociative traits represent a disturbance in selfhood that may predispose to, and trigger, functional seizures (FSs). The predictive representation and control of the internal physiological state of the body (interoception) are proposed to underpin the integrity of the sense of self ("minimal selfhood"). Therefore, discrepancies between objective and subjective aspects of interoception may relate to symptom expression in patients with FSs. Here, we tested whether individual differences in trait measures of interoception relate to dissociative symptoms, and whether state interoceptive deficits predict FS occurrence. METHODS Forty-one participants with FSs and 30 controls completed questionnaire ratings of dissociation, and measures of (1) interoceptive accuracy (IA)-objective performance on heartbeat detection tasks; (2) trait interoceptive sensibility-subjective sensitivity to internal sensations (using the Porges Body Perception Questionnaire); and (3) state interoceptive sensibility-subjective trial-by-trial measures of confidence in heartbeat detection. Interoceptive trait prediction error (ITPE) was calculated from the discrepancy between IA and trait sensibility, and interoceptive state prediction error (ISPE) from the discrepancy between IA and state sensibility. RESULTS Patients with FSs had significantly lower IA and greater trait interoceptive sensibility than healthy controls. ITPE was the strongest predictor of dissociation after controlling for trait anxiety and depression in a regression model. ISPE correlated significantly with FS frequency after controlling for state anxiety. SIGNIFICANCE Patients with FSs have disturbances in interoceptive processing that predict both dissociative traits reflecting the disrupted integrity of self-representation, and the expression of FSs. These findings provide insight into the pathophysiology of functional neurological disorder, and could lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Koreki
- Neurosciences Research CentreSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
- Department of NeuropsychiatryNational Hospital Organization Shimofusa Psychiatric Medical CenterChibaJapan
| | - Sarah N. Garfkinel
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School and The Sackler Centre for Consciousness ScienceUniversity of SussexSussexUK
| | - Marco Mula
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience CentreSt George's HospitalLondonUK
| | - Niruj Agrawal
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience CentreSt George's HospitalLondonUK
- Department of NeuropsychiatrySouth West London and St George's Mental Health TrustLondonUK
| | - Sarah Cope
- Department of NeuropsychiatrySouth West London and St George's Mental Health TrustLondonUK
| | - Talia Eilon
- Department of NeuropsychiatrySouth West London and St George's Mental Health TrustLondonUK
| | - Cassandra Gould Van Praag
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School and The Sackler Centre for Consciousness ScienceUniversity of SussexSussexUK
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Hugo D. Critchley
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School and The Sackler Centre for Consciousness ScienceUniversity of SussexSussexUK
| | - Mark Edwards
- Neurosciences Research CentreSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience CentreSt George's HospitalLondonUK
| | - Mahinda Yogarajah
- Neurosciences Research CentreSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience CentreSt George's HospitalLondonUK
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Yogarajah M, Child R, Agrawal N, Cope S, Edwards M, Mula M. Functional seizures: An evaluation of the attitudes of general practitioners local to a tertiary neuroscience service in London. Epilepsia Open 2019; 4:54-62. [PMID: 30868115 PMCID: PMC6398091 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Functional seizures are a common functional neurologic disorder. Given their chronic nature, and the biopsychosocial factors involved in their etiology, general practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in the care of these patients. However, little is known about the attitudes of GPs toward, and knowledge of, functional seizures. METHODS The Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre in London provides a comprehensive service to patients with functional seizures. As part of a service evaluation we conducted an online survey among local GPs over a 1-month period assessing their attitudes toward, and knowledge of, functional seizures. RESULTS One hundred twenty of 974 surveyed GPs replied to the survey (12.3%). Approximately 75% of GPs readily use the term "pseudoseizures," and over 50% were not sure or did not think that functional seizures were involuntary. Nearly 30% believed, or were unsure as to whether, functional seizures occur only when patients are stressed. Despite approximately 50% of GPs expressing interest in getting involved in the management of these patients, a similar proportion do not feel confident in dealing with queries from patients with functional seizures. Although most GPs felt that neurology and psychiatry should be the primary caregivers in the diagnosis and management, respectively, of functional seizures, 50% were also of the opinion that neurology should be involved in the management of these patients. SIGNIFICANCE This survey highlights the attitudes of, and descriptive terms used by, GPs toward patients with functional seizures. Our findings suggest a need for better and clearer provision of information to GPs about this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahinda Yogarajah
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience CentreSt George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical SciencesSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Ruth Child
- Medical SchoolSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Niruj Agrawal
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience CentreSt George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Department of NeuropsychiatrySouth West London & St George's Mental Health TrustLondonUK
| | - Sarah Cope
- Department of NeuropsychiatrySouth West London & St George's Mental Health TrustLondonUK
| | - Mark Edwards
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience CentreSt George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical SciencesSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Marco Mula
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience CentreSt George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical EducationSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
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