Diagnostic and Therapeutic Role of Long Term Video-EEG Monitoring in Patients With Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Attacks

Abstract

Background: PNEA is a neuropsychiatric disorder which has lots of economical and psychological burden not only on patients and their families, but also on society and health systems. Long Term video-EEG Monitoring (LTM) is gold standard way in diagnosis of PNEA. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate occurrence of PNEA in patients admitted to the Razavi epilepsy department and role of LTM in definite diagnosis of PNEA. Materials and Methods: This study was retrospectively performed and the required information was gathered from database of admitted patients in epilepsy department of Razavi Hospital in 2011. All the patients with final diagnosis of PNEA were included in the study. They were all contacted with telephone thereafter to evaluate their clinical status and compare it with their condition before the clear diagnosis. Results: The results of this study revealed that, 24-hour LTM associated with noninvasive suggestive provocative techniques in patients with presumptive psychogenic events can lead to definite diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic attacks (PNEA). Conclusions: Definite diagnosis of PNEA not only reduces significantly unnecessary use of AEDs (P = 0.001) and psychotropic drugs, but also increases patients’ productivity and emotional wellbeing. In addition, it leads them to accept diagnosis and follow appropriate treatment.