1. Ictal characteristics of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: What we have learned from video/EEG recordings—A literature review
- Author
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Mostacci, Barbara, Bisulli, Francesca, Alvisi, Lara, Licchetta, Laura, Baruzzi, Agostino, and Tinuper, Paolo
- Subjects
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SPASMS , *ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY , *VIDEO recording in psychotherapy , *LITERATURE reviews , *EPILEPSY , *DIFFERENTIAL diagnosis , *SYMPTOMS , *ANTICONVULSANTS - Abstract
Abstract: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are highly prevalent in selected populations, with a strong impact in terms of morbidity and social cost. The gold standard for PNES diagnosis is video/EEG recording of a typical attack. However this technique is costly and not always available. In addition, many patients are treated with antiepileptic drugs for several years before undergoing video/EEG recording. The diagnosis is further complicated by concomitant epileptic seizures in some patients with PNES. Therefore, a good knowledge of PNES semiology is important for early screening of patients for video/EEG recording and for correct interpretation of the examination. We reviewed the literature on video/EEG studies reporting ictal PNES semiology to identify features indicative of psychogenic or epileptic seizures. Several features appeared to be useful in the clinical setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
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