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Gilmour GS, Salmon A, Josephson CB. Functional Seizures in the Elderly: Accurate Diagnosis Can Reduce Iatrogenic Harm. Can J Neurol Sci 2024; 51:330-332. [PMID: 36600669 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2022.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela S Gilmour
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrea Salmon
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colin B Josephson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences and O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Centre for Health Informatics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Williams IA, Morris PG, Forristal K, Stone J, Gillespie DC. Illness representations of people with later-onset functional seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 152:109666. [PMID: 38382188 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although functional seizures can start at any age, little is known about the individuals for whom onset occurs after the age of 40. It has been proposed that health-related traumatic events are more relevant causal factors for people with 'later-onset functional seizures' than for those whose functional seizures begin earlier in life, however, the illness representations of people with later-onset functional seizures have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to understand the experiences and illness representations of people with later-onset functional seizures. METHODS This was a mixed-methods study. People with later-onset functional seizures were recruited via a neurologist's caseload and online membership-led organisations. Semi-structured interview transcripts were analysed using Template Analysis according to the Common-Sense Model (CSM). Self-report measures of demographic and clinical details were collected to characterise the sample and verify themes. RESULTS Eight people with later-onset functional seizures participated in the study. Illness representations relating to all domains of the CSM as well as an additional theme of 'Triggers' were identified. Functional seizures were characterised as a mysterious brain disorder analogous to a computer malfunction and involving involuntary movements associated with alterations in consciousness. Perceptions of duration were indefinite, and triggers were unknown or at the extremes of autonomic arousal. Half of the sample identified health-related events/trauma as causal. Opinions were divided on 'cumulative life stress' as a causal factor. Most perceived themselves to have limited or no control but having 'control' over seizures was conceptualised as different to reducing their likelihood, frequency, or impact. Later-onset functional seizures were viewed as being more detrimental for caring and financial responsibilities but to have advantages for acceptance. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to assess the illness representations of people with later-onset functional seizures. Many themes were similar to those identified in samples including people with earlier-onset functional seizures. Health-related trauma or events were the most strongly endorsed perceived causal factor, but with the exception of 'consequences', all representations were characterised by uncertainty. Clinicians should hold in mind the interaction between life stage and the consequences of later-onset functional seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Williams
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK; Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK.
| | - P G Morris
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - K Forristal
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - J Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - D C Gillespie
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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Heerwig C, Möller H, Brückner K. Neuropsychology of epilepsy in old age – English Version. ZEITSCHRIFT FÜR EPILEPTOLOGIE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10309-022-00479-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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DiFrancesco JC, Labate A, Romoli M, Chipi E, Salvadori N, Galimberti CA, Perani D, Ferrarese C, Costa C. Clinical and Instrumental Characterization of Patients With Late-Onset Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2022; 13:851897. [PMID: 35359649 PMCID: PMC8963711 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.851897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is classically considered a childhood disease. However, it represents the third most frequent neurological condition in the elderly, following stroke, and dementia. With the progressive aging of the general population, the number of patients with Late-Onset Epilepsy (LOE) is constantly growing, with important economic and social consequences, in particular for the more developed countries where the percentage of elderly people is higher. The most common causes of LOE are structural, mainly secondary to cerebrovascular or infectious diseases, brain tumors, trauma, and metabolic or toxic conditions. Moreover, there is a growing body of evidence linking LOE with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, despite a thorough characterization, the causes of LOE remain unknown in a considerable portion of patients, thus termed as Late-Onset Epilepsy of Unknown origin (LOEU). In order to identify the possible causes of the disease, with an important impact in terms of treatment and prognosis, LOE patients should always undergo an exhaustive phenotypic characterization. In this work, we provide a detailed review of the main clinical and instrumental techniques for the adequate characterization of LOE patients in the clinical practice. This work aims to provide an easy and effective tool that supports routine activity of the clinicians facing LOE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo C. DiFrancesco
- Department of Neurology, ASST S. Gerardo Hospital, School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- *Correspondence: Jacopo C. DiFrancesco
| | - Angelo Labate
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Romoli
- Section of Neurology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Chipi
- Section of Neurology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Nicola Salvadori
- Section of Neurology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Perani
- Nuclear Medicine Unit and Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrarese
- Department of Neurology, ASST S. Gerardo Hospital, School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Section of Neurology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Cinzia Costa
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Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in the context of concurrent epilepsy – making the right diagnosis. ACTA EPILEPTOLOGICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s42494-021-00057-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractEpilepsy is a risk factor for the development of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and comorbid epilepsy is recognized as a comorbidity in about 10–30% of patients with PNES. The combination of epileptic and nonepileptic seizures poses a particular diagnostic challenge. In patients with epilepsy, additional PNES may be suspected on the basis of their typical semiology. The possibility of additional PNES should also be considered if seizures fail to respond to antiepileptic drug treatment, in patients with frequent emergency admissions with seizures and in those who develop new types of seizures. The description of semiological details by patients and witnesses can suggest additional PNES. Home video recordings can support an initial diagnosis, however, especially in patients with mixed seizure disorders it is advisable to seek further diagnostic confirmation by capturing all habitual seizure types with video-EEG. The clinical features of PNES associated with epilepsy are similar to those in isolated PNES disorders and include longer duration, fluctuating course, asynchronous movements, pelvic thrusting, side-to-side head or body movement, persistently closed eyes and mouth, ictal crying, recall of ictal experiences and absence of postictal confusion. PNES can also present as syncope-like episodes with unresponsiveness and reduced muscle tone. There is no unique epileptological or brain pathology profile putting patients with epilepsy at risk of additional PNES. However, patients with epilepsy and PNES typically have lower educational achievements and higher levels of psychiatric comorbidities than patients with epilepsy alone. Psychological trauma, including sexual abuse, appears to be a less relevant aetiological factor in patients with mixed seizure disorders than those with isolated PNES, and the gender imbalance (i.e. the greater prevalence in women) is less marked in patients with PNES and additional epilepsy than those with PNES alone. PNES sometimes develop after epilepsy surgery. A diagnosis of ‘known epilepsy’ should never be accepted without (at least brief) critical review. This narrative review summarises clinical, electrophysiological and historical features that can help identify patients with epilepsy and additional PNES.
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Title: Functional seizures across the adult lifespan: female sex, delay to diagnosis and disability. Seizure 2021; 91:476-483. [PMID: 34343859 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The clinical characteristics of functional seizures may vary based on age-of-onset or age-of-presentation. Description of age-related differences has focused on three categories: pediatric, young-adult, and older-adult. We evaluated how factors continuously varied based on age-of-presentation across the adult lifespan. METHODS Based on cross-sectional data from 365 adult (18 to 88 years old) patients with documented diagnoses of functional seizures, we evaluated how the quantity and prevalence of specific ictal behaviors, historical factors, and comorbidities varied based on patient age-of-presentation using sequential weighted averages. RESULTS Four factors changed prominently with age-of-presentation: female predominance decreased at two inflection points - ages 35 and 62; the prevalence of work disability was higher until age-of-presentation 30 then plateaued at 80%; there was greater delay to diagnosis in older patients; and comorbidities was higher with age-of-presentation, starting from early adulthood. The proportion of patients who presented with functional seizures decreased after 50. Ictal behavior did not substantially vary with age-of-presentation. CONCLUSION The time from onset to diagnosis increased with age-of-presentation, which may be related to increased comorbidities and the misconception that FS do not start in older age. The female predominance decreased nonlinearly with age. By age 30, most patients' seizures already had substantial association with unemployment. These findings emphasize that patients can develop functional seizures at any age. The rapid development of disability relatively early in life, which then stays at a high prevalence rate, demonstrates the need for prompt referral for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
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Hew A, Lloyd M, Rayner G, Matson A, Rychkova M, Ali R, Winton-Brown T, Perucca P, Kwan P, O'Brien TJ, Velakoulis D, Malpas CB, Loi SM. Psychiatric and cognitive characteristics of older adults admitted to a Video-EEG monitoring (VEM) unit. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 120:107987. [PMID: 33979768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical, psychiatric, and cognitive characteristics of older with younger patients presenting to a video-EEG monitoring (VEM) unit. METHOD This was a retrospective case-control study involving patients admitted for VEM over a two-year period (from April 2018 to April 2020) at two comprehensive epilepsy units. Patients were categorized into an older (≥60 years) and a younger (<60 years) group. Younger patients were individually matched to older adults to form a matched younger group. Diagnosis was determined by a consensus opinion of epileptologists, neurologists, and neuropsychiatrists. The main diagnostic categories were epilepsy, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), and 'other' diagnosis (non-diagnostic and other nonepileptic diagnoses). Clinical psychiatric diagnoses were obtained from neuropsychiatric reports. Objective cognitive function was measured with the Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Assessment Tool (NUCOG). Subjective cognitive function was assessed using the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-89 (QOLIE-89) cognitive subscales. RESULTS Five-hundred and thirty three patients (71 older, 462 younger) aged 16-91 years were admitted to the VEM unit during the study period. There was a diagnosis of focal epilepsy in 55% of the older group and 48% of the younger group, generalized epilepsy in 3% of the older group and 10% of the younger group, and 'other' in 32% of the older group and 19% of the younger group. Ten percent (2 males and 5 females) of the older group were diagnosed with PNES compared to 22% of the younger group (p = 0.016). A depressive disorder was diagnosed in 34% of the older group and 24% of the younger group (p = 0.20). An anxiety disorder was diagnosed in 15% of the older group and 25% of the younger group (p = 0.15). Mild neurocognitive disorder was more common in the older group (34%) compared to the matched younger group (34% vs 3%, p < 0.001). The older group had lower mean NUCOG scores compared to the matched younger group (79.49 vs 87.73, p = <0.001). There was no evidence for a relationship between mean NUCOG score and overall subjective cognitive difficulties for the older group (r = 0.03, p = 0.83). Among older adults, those diagnosed with PNES had more experiences of childhood trauma. Measures of dissociation, depression, or general anxiety did not differ between PNES and non-PNES diagnoses in the older group. CONCLUSION Psychiatric comorbidities are common among older adults admitted for VEM. The psychological impact of epilepsy and risk factors for PNES seen in younger patients are also applicable in the older group. The older group demonstrated more cognitive impairments than the younger group, although these were usually unrecognized by individuals. Older adults admitted to VEM will benefit from psychiatric and neuropsychological input to ensure a comprehensive care approach to evaluation and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Hew
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.
| | - Michael Lloyd
- Department of Psychiatry, Alfred Health, Prahran, Australia
| | - Genevieve Rayner
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurosciences, Alfred Health, Australia; Department of Medicine, Austin Hospital, The University of Melbourne
| | - Alice Matson
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maria Rychkova
- Department of Medicine (RMH), The University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurosciences, Monash University, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, Australia
| | - Rashida Ali
- Department of Medicine (RMH), The University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurosciences, Monash University, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, Australia
| | | | - Piero Perucca
- Department of Medicine (RMH), The University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Department of Neurosciences, Monash University, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, Australia
| | - Patrick Kwan
- Department of Medicine (RMH), The University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Department of Neurosciences, Monash University, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Medicine (RMH), The University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Department of Neurosciences, Monash University, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, Australia
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne and NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Charles B Malpas
- Department of Medicine (RMH), The University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Samantha M Loi
- Department of Medicine (RMH), The University of Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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Widyadharma IPE, Soejitno A, Samatra DPGP, Sinardja AMG. Clinical differentiation of psychogenic non-epileptic seizure: a practical diagnostic approach. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-021-00272-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES) has long been the counterpart of epileptic seizure (ES). Despite ample of evidence differentiating the two, PNES mistakenly diagnosed as ES was still common, resulting in unnecessary exposure to long-term antiepileptic medications and reduced patient’s and caregiver’s quality of life, not to mention the burgeoning financial costs.
Objectives
In this review, we aimed to elucidate various differences between PNES and epileptic seizure with respect to baseline characteristics, seizure semiology, EEG pattern, and other key hallmark features.
Methods
An unstructured search was carried out in PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE using keywords pertinent to PNES and ES differentiation. Relevant information was subsequently summarized herein.
Results
PNES differs significantly with ES in terms of baseline characteristics, prodromal symptoms, seizure semiology, presence of pseudosleep, and other hallmark features (for instance provoking seizure with suggestion). The combined approach, if applied appropriately, can yield high diagnostic yield.
Conclusions
PNES can be clearly differentiated from ES via careful adherence to a set of valid clinical cues. The summarized clinical hallmarks is highly useful to prevent unnecessary ES diagnosis and treatment with AEDs.
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Sen A, Jette N, Husain M, Sander JW. Epilepsy in older people. Lancet 2020; 395:735-748. [PMID: 32113502 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)33064-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Globally, as populations age there will be challenges and opportunities to deliver optimal health care to senior citizens. Epilepsy, a condition characterised by spontaneous recurrent seizures, is common in older adults (aged >65 years) and yet has received comparatively little attention in this age group. In this Review, we evaluate the underlying causes of epilepsy in older people, explore difficulties in establishing a diagnosis of epilepsy in this population, discuss appropriate antiseizure medications, and evaluate potential surgical treatment options. We consider cognitive, psychological, and psychosocial comorbidities and the effect that epilepsy might have on an older person's broader social or care network in high-income versus middle-income and low-income countries. We emphasise the need for clinical trials to be more inclusive of older people with epilepsy to help inform therapeutic decision making and discuss whether measures to improve vascular risk factors might be an important strategy to reduce the probability of developing epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjune Sen
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Nathalie Jette
- Departments of Neurology and Population Health Sciences & Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Masud Husain
- Department of Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford UK
| | - Josemir W Sander
- National Institute for Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, Netherlands
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Dual diagnosis of epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Systematic review and meta-analysis of frequency, correlates, and outcomes. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 89:70-78. [PMID: 30384103 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Comorbid epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) represent a serious challenge for the clinicians. However, the frequency, associations, and outcomes of dual diagnosis of epilepsy and PNES are unclear. The aim of the review was to determine the frequency, correlates, and outcomes of a dual diagnosis. A systematic review of all published observational studies (from inception to Dec. 2016) was conducted to determine the frequency, correlates, and outcomes of dual diagnosis. We included studies of individuals of any age reporting a dual diagnosis of epilepsy and PNES. All observational study designs were included with the exception of case reports and case series with fewer than 10 participants. The mean frequency of epilepsy in patients with PNES across all studies was 22% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 20 to 25%, range: 0% to 90%) while the mean frequency of PNES in patients with epilepsy was 12% (95% CI 10 to 14%, range: 1% to 62%). High heterogeneity means that these pooled estimates should be viewed with caution. A number of correlates of dual diagnosis were reported. Some studies delineated differences in semiology of seizures in patients with dual diagnosis vs. PNES or epilepsy only. However, most of the correlates were inconclusive. Only a few studies examined outcome in patients with dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis is common in clinical practice, especially among patients referred to specialized services, and requires careful diagnosis and management.
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Kerr WT, Janio EA, Braesch CT, Le JM, Hori JM, Patel AB, Gallardo NL, Bauirjan J, Chau AM, Hwang ES, Davis EC, Buchard A, Torres-Barba D, D'Ambrosio S, Al Banna M, Cho AY, Engel J, Cohen MS, Stern JM. An objective score to identify psychogenic seizures based on age of onset and history. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 80:75-83. [PMID: 29414562 PMCID: PMC5845850 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychogenic nonepileptic seizure (PNES) is a common diagnosis after evaluation of medication resistant or atypical seizures with video-electroencephalographic monitoring (VEM), but usually follows a long delay after the development of seizures, during which patients are treated for epilepsy. Therefore, more readily available diagnostic tools are needed for earlier identification of patients at risk for PNES. A tool based on patient-reported psychosocial history would be especially beneficial because it could be implemented in the outpatient clinic. METHODS Based on the data from 1375 patients with VEM-confirmed diagnoses, we used logistic regression to compare the frequency of specific patient-reported historical events, demographic information, age of onset, and delay from first seizure until VEM in five mutually exclusive groups of patients: epileptic seizures (ES), PNES, physiologic nonepileptic seizure-like events (PSLE), mixed PNES plus ES, and inconclusive monitoring. To determine the diagnostic utility of this information to differentiate PNES only from ES only, we used multivariate piecewise-linear logistic regression trained using retrospective data from chart review and validated based on data from 246 prospective standardized interviews. RESULTS The prospective area under the curve of our weighted multivariate piecewise-linear by-sex score was 73%, with the threshold that maximized overall retrospective accuracy resulting in a prospective sensitivity of 74% (95% CI: 70-79%) and prospective specificity of 71% (95% CI: 64-82%). The linear model and piecewise linear without an interaction term for sex had very similar performance statistics. In the multivariate piecewise-linear sex-split predictive model, the significant factors positively associated with ES were history of febrile seizures, current employment or active student status, history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and longer delay from first seizure until VEM. The significant factors associated with PNES were female sex, older age of onset, mild TBI, and significant stressful events with sexual abuse, in particular, increasing the likelihood of PNES. Delays longer than 20years, age of onset after 31years for men, and age of onset after 40years for women had no additional effect on the likelihood of PNES. DISCUSSION Our promising results suggest that an objective score has the potential to serve as an early outpatient screening tool to identify patients with greater likelihood of PNES when considered in combination with other factors. In addition, our analysis suggests that sexual abuse, more than other psychological stressors including physical abuse, is more associated with PNES. There was a trend of increasing frequency of PNES for women during childbearing years and plateauing outside those years that was not observed in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley T Kerr
- Department of Biomathematics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage, CA, United States.
| | - Emily A Janio
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chelsea T Braesch
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Justine M Le
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jessica M Hori
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Akash B Patel
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Norma L Gallardo
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Janar Bauirjan
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrea M Chau
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Eric S Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Emily C Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Albert Buchard
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - David Torres-Barba
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shannon D'Ambrosio
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mona Al Banna
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrew Y Cho
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jerome Engel
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mark S Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Departments of Radiology, Psychology, Biomedical Physics, and Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - John M Stern
- Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Kanemoto K, LaFrance WC, Duncan R, Gigineishvili D, Park S, Tadokoro Y, Ikeda H, Paul R, Zhou D, Taniguchi G, Kerr M, Oshima T, Jin K, Reuber M. PNES around the world: Where we are now and how we can close the diagnosis and treatment gaps-an ILAE PNES Task Force report. Epilepsia Open 2017; 2:307-316. [PMID: 29588959 PMCID: PMC5862115 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An international consensus clinical practice statement issued in 2011 ranked psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) among the top three neuropsychiatric problems. An ILAE PNES Task Force was founded and initially charged with summarizing the current state of the art in terms of diagnosis and treatment, resulting in two publications. The first described different levels of diagnostic certainty. The second summarized current knowledge of management approaches. The present paper summarizes an international workshop of the ILAE PNES Task Force that focused on the current understanding and management of PNES around the world. We initially provide a knowledge update about the etiology, epidemiology, and prognosis of PNES-in adults and in special patient groups, such as children, older adults, and those with intellectual disability. We then explore clinical management pathways and obstacles to optimal care for this disorder around the world by focusing on a number of countries with different cultural backgrounds and at very different stages of social and economic development (United Kingdom, U.S.A., Zambia, Georgia, China, and Japan). Although evidence-based methods for the diagnosis and treatment of PNES have now been described, and much is known about the biopsychosocial underpinnings of this disorder, this paper describes gaps in care (not only in less developed countries) that result in patients with PNES not having adequate access to healthcare provisions. A range of challenges requiring solutions tailored to different healthcare systems emerges. Continued attention to PNES by the ILAE and other national and international neurologic, psychiatric, and health organizations, along with ongoing international collaboration, should ensure that patients with PNES do not lose out as healthcare services evolve around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kousuke Kanemoto
- Department of NeuropsychiatryAichi Medical UniversityNagakuteJapan
| | - W. Curt LaFrance
- Rhode Island HospitalBrown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandU.S.A.
| | | | - David Gigineishvili
- Department of Neurology & NeurosurgerySarajishvili Institute of NeurologyTbilisi State UniversityTbilisiGeorgia
| | - Sung‐Pa Park
- Department of NeurologyKyungpook National University School of MedicineDaeguKorea
| | - Yukari Tadokoro
- Department of NeuropsychiatryAichi Medical UniversityNagakuteJapan
| | - Hiroko Ikeda
- Department of PediatricsEpilepsy CenterNHO Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological DisordersShizuokaJapan
| | - Ravi Paul
- Department of PsychiatrySchool of MedicineUniversity of ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of NeurologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Go Taniguchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatrythe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Mike Kerr
- Learning Disability PsychiatryCardiff UniversityCardiffUnited Kingdom
| | - Tomohiro Oshima
- Department of NeuropsychiatryAichi Medical UniversityNagakuteJapan
| | - Kazutaka Jin
- Tohoku Daigaku Daigakuin Igakukei Kenkyuka IgakubuSendaiMiyagiJapan
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Legriel S, Brophy GM. Managing Status Epilepticus in the Older Adult. J Clin Med 2016; 5:jcm5050053. [PMID: 27187485 PMCID: PMC4882482 DOI: 10.3390/jcm5050053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review was to describe particularities in epidemiology, outcome, and management modalities in the older adult population with status epilepticus. There is a higher incidence of status epilepticus in the older adult population, and it commonly has a nonconvulsive presentation. Diagnosis in this population may be difficult and requires an unrestricted use of EEG. Short and long term associated-mortality are high, and age over 60 years is an independent factor associated with poor outcome. Stroke (acute or remote symptomatic), miscellaneous metabolic causes, dementia, infections hypoxemia, and brain injury are among the main causes of status epilepticus occurrence in this age category. The use of anticonvulsive agents can be problematic as well. Thus, it is important to take into account the specific aspects related to the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in older critically-ill adults. Beyond these precautions, the management may be identical to that of the younger adult, including prompt initiation of symptomatic and anticonvulsant therapies, and a broad and thorough etiological investigation. Such management strategies may improve the vital and functional prognosis of these patients, while maintaining a high overall quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Legriel
- Medico-Surgical Intensive Care Department, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles-Site André Mignot, 177 Rue de Versailles, 78150 Le Chesnay Cedex, France.
- INSERM U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Gretchen M Brophy
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus, 410 N. 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0533, USA.
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14
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Jimenez XF, Sharma JS, Dar SA. Conversion disorder as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures in suspected cancer: a case report. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2014; 36:761.e1-2. [PMID: 25103545 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), a form of conversion disorder, are paroxysmal episodes resembling epilepsy while lacking electrographic correlation. The phenomenon has rarely been reported in elderly patients and has not been associated with a new-onset medical diagnosis. We present the case of an 81-year-old female with no past psychiatric or traumatic history who developed PNES within the context of a new, suspected cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first such reported case of a suspected cancer (or otherwise medical) diagnosis contributing directly and temporally to the development of PNES. Discussion of involved psychosocial variables follows the vignette, and a brief review of relevant literature is offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier F Jimenez
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, 9500 Euclid Avenue, P57, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
| | - Jennifer S Sharma
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, 9500 Euclid Avenue, P57, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Syma A Dar
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, 9500 Euclid Avenue, P57, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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15
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Management of Seizures in the Elderly. CURRENT GERIATRICS REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13670-014-0078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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16
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Batla A, Stamelou M, Edwards MJ, Pareés I, Saifee TA, Fox Z, Bhatia KP. Functional movement disorders are not uncommon in the elderly. Mov Disord 2013; 28:540-3. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.25350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Batla
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders; UCL Institute of Neurology; University College London; London; United Kingdom
| | - Maria Stamelou
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders; UCL Institute of Neurology; University College London; London; United Kingdom
| | - Mark J. Edwards
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders; UCL Institute of Neurology; University College London; London; United Kingdom
| | - Isabel Pareés
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders; UCL Institute of Neurology; University College London; London; United Kingdom
| | - Tabish A. Saifee
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders; UCL Institute of Neurology; University College London; London; United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Fox
- Department of Biostatistics; UCL Institute of Neurology; University College London; London; United Kingdom
| | - Kailash P. Bhatia
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders; UCL Institute of Neurology; University College London; London; United Kingdom
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Abstract
The differential diagnoses of epileptic seizures depend on the different semiologies of the respective seizures. Patient history and history of witnesses are of foremost importance in the differentiation. When seizures recur, they are more easily distinguished than single seizures. Diagnostic methods like EEG and eventually EEG video monitoring will help in the differentiation when clinical information and patient history do not allow a clear diagnosis. We present the most common differential diagnoses and their differences compared to epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rémi
- Epilepsie-Zentrum, Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum der Universität München-Großhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland
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18
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A critical appraisal on the utility of long-term video-EEG monitoring in older adults. Epilepsy Res 2011; 97:12-9. [PMID: 21784617 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2011.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND World-over, the majority of patients undergoing video-EEG monitoring (VEM) are in their second or third decades. Although elderly represent the fastest growing segment of population with epilepsy, only few of them undergo VEM. We critically evaluated the utility of VEM in the diagnosis and long-term management of older adults with paroxysmal behavioral events. METHODS 148 consecutive patients aged 45 and above, who underwent long-term (≥8 h) inpatient VEM from 1996 to 2009 formed the study cohort. Utilizing a structured proforma, we gathered their demographic, clinical, electrophysiological and long-term outcome data. VEM was considered as "useful" when it changed the diagnosis and/or management; it was "corroborative" when it helped the treating physician to confirm the diagnosis and "not useful" when it neither helped to improve the diagnosis nor the management. RESULTS The mean age was 51.3 (SD 6.4) years; mean duration of VEM was 69.3 h. Out of 117 patients with a diagnosis of epileptic seizures referred for presurgical evaluation or classification, VEM was "useful" or "corroborative" in 111 patients (94.8%; p=0.0001). It was also "useful" or "corroborative" in 29 out of 31 patients (93.5%) referred with a suspicion of associated or pure psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (p=0.0001). None developed any complications during monitoring. At a mean follow-up of 37.7 months there was significant reduction in AED usage in patients with epilepsy (p=0.0001) and epilepsy with associated PNES (p=0.001). At a mean follow-up of 34.2 months, all patients with pure PNES were event-free and medication-free at last follow-up (p=0.002). Twenty-three patients (19.6%) underwent surgery, all except one remaining seizure-free at a mean follow-up of 39.2 months. CONCLUSIONS VEM is a safe and cost-effective investigation strategy in older-adults. It aided in improving the diagnosis, offered better treatment including surgery and helped in excluding non-epileptic paroxysmal events in majority.
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19
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Abstract
Epilepsy is most likely to develop in later life. The burden of this disorder on health-care resources will rise further as the world's population continues to age. Making a secure diagnosis can be challenging because the clinical manifestations of seizures and the differential diagnoses and causes of epilepsy can be different in older individuals compared with younger individuals. Obtaining a reliable account of the events for accurate assessment is particularly important in guiding the appropriate choice and interpretation of investigations to arrive at the correct diagnosis. In older age, unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes occur. The use and selection of antiepileptic drugs is often further complicated by the presence of comorbidities, polypharmacy, and concomitant functional impairment, but there is a paucity of high-level clinical evidence on the effects of these factors as well as on the choice of treatment in the elderly. A comprehensive model of care should combine expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy with effective assessment and management of the psychosocial effects to improve the prognosis in this vulnerable and poorly studied group of patients.
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20
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LaFrance WC, Syc S. Depression and symptoms affect quality of life in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Neurology 2009; 73:366-71. [PMID: 19652140 PMCID: PMC2725930 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3181b04c83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with active epilepsy, adverse medication effects and severity of depression are correlated with health-related quality of life, but seizure frequency is not. We sought to examine if the same pattern exists in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). METHODS We administered seizure calendars, quality of life (QOL) scales, depression scales, and symptom checklists to 49 patients with video EEG-confirmed PNES. Data analysis consisted of performing Pearson correlation coefficients, scatter plots, and t tests. RESULTS Depression and symptom scores significantly increased as health-related QOL scores decreased (partial correlation coefficient r = -0.73 for both comparisons), whereas seizure count was nonsignificant (partial correlation coefficient r = -0.19). CONCLUSIONS As is seen in epilepsy, patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures demonstrate that higher depressive symptoms and somatic symptoms are independently related to worsening quality of life (QOL); however, seizure frequency is not. Seizure frequency is an important focus in patient care and treatment trials. The findings underscore the importance of, along with seizure counts, also examining QOL, depression, and somatic symptoms in patients with seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Curt LaFrance
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry (W.C.L.), Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI, USA.
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21
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22
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Reuber M. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: answers and questions. Epilepsy Behav 2008; 12:622-35. [PMID: 18164250 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2007.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2007] [Accepted: 11/18/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) superficially resemble epileptic seizures, but are not associated with ictal electrical discharges in the brain. PNES constitute one of the most important differential diagnoses of epilepsy. However, despite the fact they have been recognized as a distinctive clinical phenomenon for centuries and that access to video/EEG monitoring has allowed clinicians to make near-certain diagnoses for several decades, our understanding of the etiology, underlying mental processes, and, subsequently, subdifferentiation, nosology, and treatment remains seriously deficient. Emphasizing the clinical picture throughout, the first part of this article is intended to "look and look again" at what we know about the epidemiology, semiology, clinical context, treatment, and prognosis of PNES. The second part is dedicated to the questions that remain to be answered. It argues that the most important reason our understanding of PNES remains limited is the focus on the visible manifestations of PNES or the seizures themselves. In contrast, subjective seizure manifestations and the biographic or clinical context in which they occur have been relatively neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield/Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S10 2JF, UK.
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23
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Kawai M, Hrachovy RA, Franklin PJ, Foreman PJ. Video-EEG Monitoring in a Geriatric Veteran Population. J Clin Neurophysiol 2007; 24:429-32. [DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0b013e31815ba0c8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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24
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Binder LM, Salinsky MC. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Neuropsychol Rev 2007; 17:405-12. [PMID: 18041588 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-007-9047-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2007] [Accepted: 10/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurological, neurodiagnostic, and neuropsychological aspects of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are reviewed, including psychosocial, psychiatric, cognitive, and MMPI-2 findings.
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25
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the importance of video-EEG monitoring (VEM) in elderly patients with various paroxysmal events. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively identified 16 subjects > or = 60 years old out of 834 (1.9%; 7 females, mean age 67.8 +/- 7.7 years), who were admitted to the Video-EEG Unit between 1997 and 2005 and compared data between those with and without epileptic events. RESULTS Epilepsy was confirmed in six patients, psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (NES) were diagnosed in seven, one patient had NES and epilepsy whereas the recorded events were non-conclusive in two. NES patients had a higher predisposition to psychiatric disturbances (P<0.02). Following VEM and management alteration, the frequency of monthly events decreased significantly for the cohort as a whole (P<0.001). VEM directly influenced the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of 14 of 16 (88%) patients. CONCLUSION Video-EEM plays a vital role in the evaluation of paroxysmal events in the elderly, but is vastly underutilized in this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kipervasser
- Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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26
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LaFrance WC, Blum AS, Miller IW, Ryan CE, Keitner GI. Methodological issues in conducting treatment trials for psychological nonepileptic seizures. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2007; 19:391-8. [PMID: 18070841 PMCID: PMC2777885 DOI: 10.1176/jnp.2007.19.4.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial has yet to be completed in patients with psychological nonepileptic seizures (NES). Treatment publications for NES are limited to class III trials and class IV reports. Little is written on the methodology of treatment trials in NES. The authors describe the procedures and limitations of such a trial to inform future NES treatment trials, based on their prospective, open-label pharmacological, feasibility trial. The authors review the recruitment, enrollment, completion of surveys, compliance, and follow-up of patients with NES. The majority of patients who enrolled, readily completed surveys and took the medication during the trial. Twelve patients were screened, eight enrolled, and six completed the trial. The authors discuss the use of outcomes and the various symptoms scales in the trial. A comprehensive neuropsychiatric initial assessment and assessing cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial measures are important for monitoring the outcomes in NES treatment RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Curt LaFrance
- Department of Neurology and the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Andrew S. Blum
- Department of Neurology and the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Ivan W. Miller
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Christine E. Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Gabor I. Keitner
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
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27
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Patients with medically unexplained symptoms continue to intrigue, fascinate and frustrate clinicians. They are common in general medicine and often present with apparent neurological disorder. This review aims to provide insight into the recent literature that has sought to clarify epidemiology, diagnostic issues, aetiologic understanding and treatment of patients with psychogenic disorders who usually first present to neurologists. RECENT FINDINGS Somatoform disorders are common in neurological practice. A number of papers have addressed issues of epidemiology and identified that medically unexplained symptoms in neurological populations are higher than originally thought. A number of recent review papers have served to summarize areas of considerable information (e.g. treatments) and areas of rapid growth in knowledge (e.g. neuroimaging). Studies investigating the role of psychological factors are well represented and clarify our psychopathological understanding of somatoform disorders in patients presenting to neurologists. Treatment studies are few and continue to be limited by population sizes and study designs. SUMMARY Somatoform disorders are common in neurological populations. Comorbidity related to somatoform disorders with known organic neurological conditions requires further study. On account of the limitations of treatment studies, evidence-based clinical management of these patients is awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lindsay Allet
- Consultation-Liaison Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Perth Hospital, WA, Australia.
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29
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Behrouz R, Heriaud L, Benbadis SR. Late-onset psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2006; 8:649-50. [PMID: 16531122 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2006.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2006] [Accepted: 02/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are common, but have not been well studied in older patients. We retrospectively reviewed patients with PNES who were 60 years of age and above at the time of "seizure" onset. Over a 27-month period, nine (9.6%) of 94 patients diagnosed with PNES had onset at age 60 or above. None had evidence for coexisting epilepsy. Eight were women. Characteristics of the group were comparable to younger patients with PNES. We conclude that PNES should be considered as a diagnostic possibility in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Behrouz
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Tampa General Hospital, Department of Neurology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
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30
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Abstract
Abstract
This chapter covers ethical challenges faced by surgeons practicing functional neurosurgery. The exploration of issues surrounding this set of surgeries presents especially interesting problems given the effects, potential or actual, on patient's quality of life in the attempt to restore or normalize a function. The chapter sets the context by briefly discussing the special challenges of surgical ethics in general, defines ‘functional neurosurgery’, and reviews the past, present, and expected future of functional neurosurgery. After setting this context, it addresses a variety of prominent ethical issues. It pays special attention to the context in which issues arise and reflect on ethical challenges to functional neurosurgery as a discipline.
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