Diagnosis Of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures Research Articles

Diagnostic perspective in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: An overview

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs) are the episodes altered movement, sensation, or experience similar to epilepsy but caused by psychological process and not associated with abnormal discharges in the neurons. Diagnosing PNES is extremely a tough work for a neurologist because of its psychological etiology and somatic manifestation. The patients with PNES are frequently misdiagnosed for epilepsy and exposed to antiepileptic drugs for several years which risk their life and put unnecessary economic burden on them. Majorly, while diagnosing PNES, the neurologist has to rule out several neurological and psychological disorders. PNES multiple etiologies and lack of quantifiable biomarkers make its diagnosis more difficult and inaccurate. Although the gold standard measure to diagnosis PNES is video-encephalography, it is always not available for the assessment and is too costly. Therefore, neurologists go for other diagnostic procedures to distinguish PNES from epilepsy. Psychological assessment of the patients; semiological and historical details of the patients; postictal observation; and provocation techniques such as saline injection, verbal suggestion, moist swab application, tuning fork application, and compressed temple region are being used in a substantial way to diagnose PNES. Besides, these neuroimaging techniques such as electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging and chemical biomarker such as serum prolactin are also being measured to be sure for PNES diagnosis. Further, it must be understood that above assessment procedures are not independent but are complementary to each other, and hence, PNES etiology is still going through elucidation process. Therefore, diagnosing PNES is a cumbersome task. However, if diagnosis of PNES is made with joint efforts of neurologist, psychologist, and psychiatrist, although usually not practiced, only then one can arrive at a definite conclusion.

Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures in a Mother and Her Son–Fate or Chance?

Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES) are defined as typical seizure-like activities or behaviors without cortical epileptiform discharges. The diagnosis of PNES remains a challenge and continuous video electroencephalography (cEEG) remains the gold standard to differentiate between epileptic seizures and PNES. Despite advances made in our understanding of PNES, diagnosing and treating this well-known entity remains a challenge. 25% of patients with seizures will be misdiagnosed as having PNES or epileptic seizures even by certified Neurologists. Do patient characteristics and demographics increase our accuracy to diagnose PNES? We present a case of a mother and her son, both diagnosed with PNES by cEEG monitoring in our epilepsy monitoring unit. While familial prevalence of conversion disorders is reported in the literature, this will be the first case report describing the incidence of PNES in two members of the same family. Do psychogenic epilepsies run in families? Will the diagnosis of PNES in one family member increase the probability of PNES in their relatives with seizures? Larger patient pools need to be studied to draw a definite conclusion regarding our observation.

Long-term adherence with psychiatric treatment among patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

We conducted a prospective cohort study, examining long-term adherence with psychiatric treatment among patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Subjects diagnosed with documented PNES were scheduled for 4 psychiatric visits. Survival analysis was performed, and covariates were assessed for association with time to nonadherence using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. One hundred twenty-three subjects were recruited and followed for up to 17 months. Eighty percent of subjects attended the first outpatient visit, 42% attended the second, 24% attended the third, and only 14% remained adherent through the fourth visit. Two covariates were associated with nonadherence: (1) a prior diagnosis of PNES (hazard ratio 1.57, P-value .046); (2) a lower score on the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), signifying lower concern about one's illness (hazard ratio 0.77 for every 10-point increment on the 80-point scale, P-value .008). Adherence with psychiatric treatment among patients with PNES is initially reasonably good but worsens rapidly over visits 2-4. Risk factors for nonadherence include a history of a prior diagnosis of PNES, and a lower level of concern about the illness as assessed by a lower score on the BIPQ.

Diagnosis of Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizure: How Can We Detect It Prior to Video-Electroencephalography Monitoring

It is highly recommended not to base the diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) on one single sign. Yet, the combination of several symptoms may be highly indicative of PNES. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that some combinations of symptoms are more easily recorded and that some are more indicative of PNES. We review and analize various symptom combinations including convulsions, falling, and impaired consciousness. Further, we examine and discuss all individual symptoms that are known to be associated with PNES.

Are there gender differences in those diagnosed with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures?

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to determine whether male and female populations of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) differ, in terms of demographic, social/clinical, and etiological factors as well as psychological measures. BackgroundPsychogenic nonepileptic seizures are overrepresented by females; therefore, information about PNES in males is limited. Only a handful of studies have examined PNES and gender, and of those, one was a literature review and with the exception of two, most have had small sample sizes. Of the existing literature, differences in abuse type, psychiatric diagnoses, and psychometric results have been observed in the two genders. MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 51 consecutive males and 97 consecutive females with video-electroencephalogram (video-EEG) confirmed diagnosis of PNES. Patients were examined on demographics (age, education, working status), clinical (seizure frequency, trauma type: sexual, nonsexual, age of first trauma), and psychometric measures. The latter included the State Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2), Trauma Symptom Inventory-2 (TSI-2), the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), and the Quality of Life Inventory in Epilepsy-31 (QOLIE-31). ResultsWomen reported experiencing significantly more sexual traumas (p=0.007) than men. Women also endorsed significantly higher levels of dissociation (p=0.012) and sexual disturbances (p=0.46). In contrast, men reported significantly greater use of avoidance (p=0.001) as a stress coping strategy and higher levels of depression (p=0.006). ConclusionsGender differences were identified with males reporting a significantly higher use of avoidance (cognitive and behavioral avoidance of stress) and depressive symptoms. Women exhibited significantly higher rates of sexual trauma compared with male counterparts. Consequently, women also had significantly higher rates of trauma symptomatology (dissociation and sexual disturbances) which are often observed in those who have been traumatized sexually. These gender distinctions may support different first-line treatment approaches (e.g., trauma-focused; more traditional cognitive behavioral therapy) depending on the most prominent symptomatology.

Access to diagnostic and therapeutic facilities for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: An international survey by the ILAE PNES Task Force.

Studies from a small number of countries suggest that patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) have limited access to diagnostic and treatment services. The PNES Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) carried out 2 surveys to explore the diagnosis and treatment of PNES around the world. A short survey (8 questions) was sent to all 114 chapters of the ILAE. A longer survey (36 questions) was completed by healthcare professionals who see patients with seizures. Questions were separated into 5 sections: professional role, diagnostic methods, management, etiology, and access to health care. Responses were received from 63 different countries. The short survey was completed by 48 ILAE chapters, and the long survey by 1098 health professionals from 28 countries. PNES were recognized as a diagnostic and therapeutic problem in all countries. Trauma and mental health issues were most commonly recognized as etiologic factors. There was a clear relationship between income and access to diagnostic tests and expertise. Psychological therapy was most commonly considered the treatment of choice. Although financial difficulties were the most commonly reported problem with service access in low-income countries, in all countries stigma, lack of popular awareness, and lack of information posed challenges. This global provider survey demonstrates that PNES are a health problem around the world. Health care for PNES could be improved with better education of healthcare professionals, the development of reliable and simple diagnostic procedures that do not rely on costly tests, and the provision of accessible information.

Brain tumors associated with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: Case series

ObjectiveThe association of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) with primary or secondary brain tumors has not been well described in the literature. We aim to discuss their association, and their impact in brain tumor treatment. Patients and methodsWe identified four patients retrospectively from our practice. The diagnosis of PNES was based on clinical suspicion and standard EEG, supplemented with video-EEG recording in 2 patients. ResultsThe initial diagnosis of brain tumor was associated with a new onset seizure prior to diagnosis. The majority of the patients presented with ES followed by recurrent PNES during the course of their disease. Patients were treated with multiple anti-epileptic drugs, requiring frequent schedule adjustments. The preferred tumor treatment modality was chemotherapy, followed by surgical resection. The patients were offered psychological consultation achieving partial control of their events. These patients manifested recurrent disabling clinical events that required multiple medical consultations. None of these patients presented clinical evidence of tumor progression at the time of PNES presentation. ConclusionA high index of suspicion and early psychological consultation referral will likely mitigate the quality of life impact of PNES in these patients.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Comorbid Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) superficially resemble epileptic seizures but are not associated with epileptic discharges in the brain. Instead, these episodes, which tend to occur with alterations in consciousness and body movements, are thought to be the result of mechanisms of conversion and dissociation. Psychological trauma and PTSD are very prevalent among patients with PNES. PNES can be conceived of as an extreme avoidance mechanism that serves the function of modulating distress and, in some cases, eliminating the precipitant stressor. Avoidance is also an essential component of PTSD. In patients who carry a dual diagnosis of PNES and PTSD, it is sensible that an empirically validated treatment for PTSD such as prolonged exposure (PE) therapy which targets avoidance by promoting exposure might be a useful approach to treat these patients. In this report, we present the case of a 52-year-old male with a 7-year history of PNES. His seizures, which were characterized by intense body shaking and loud guttural outbursts, were occurring up to 15 times per day. Because of these symptoms, he lost his employment and was ostracized by his family. Upon completion of a course of intensive outpatient PE, he achieved full remission of all psychogenic symptoms. Except for three brief seizures, he has maintained his health for 2 years. This constitutes the first detailed report of PE therapy used to effectively treat comorbid PNES and posttraumatic stress symptoms.

A simple clinical score for prediction of nonepileptic seizures

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), often mistaken for epilepsy in community practice, require inpatient video-EEG (VEEG) monitoring for diagnostic confirmation. We developed a simple score designed for use in an outpatient setting to predict the subsequent VEEG diagnosis of PNES. We retrospectively compared fifty-five consecutive patients with VEEG-proven PNES (N1=55) with a group of randomly selected patients with VEEG-proven epilepsy (N2=55). Patients were divided into two groups: I) a ‘truly retrospective’ group of 27 patients with PNES and 27 patients with epilepsy whose data served to develop the score, and II) a ‘pseudoprospective’ group of 28 patients each with PNES and epilepsy to whom the score was applied. Six features in the history of the Group I cohort appeared more prominent in patients with PNES than patients with epilepsy and were assigned escalating numerical values as follows: number of declared drug allergies (0, 0.5, 1), number of declared comorbidities (0, 0.5, 1), number of previous invasive medical interventions of any type (0, 0.5, 1), and a history of significant psychological or physical trauma (0 or 1). In addition, a score was assigned to verbal description of the seizures themselves as being consistent (=0), atypical (=1), or indeterminate (=0.5) for epilepsy. The values were added to yield an omnibus score ranging from 0 to 6. Scoring of Group II subjects in a blinded fashion revealed that in general patients with PNES had higher scores, and the majority obtained a score >2; most patients with epilepsy scored <1.5. Group difference in the mean between the PNES and epilepsy cohort was highly significant (p<0.0001, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). Our score is a simple clinical instrument based on the patient history that may find use in the triage of patients awaiting hospitalization for VEEG and in pre-VEEG counseling.

Engaging psychiatrists in the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. What can they contribute?

PurposeTo investigate if psychiatrists could predict the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) by reviewing videos of seizures of various types and to compare the accuracy and the criteria leading to the diagnosis used by psychiatrists with those used by epileptologists. MethodsFour board-certified psychiatrists were asked to review 23 videos capturing representative events of 21 unselected consecutive patients admitted to an epilepsy center for long-term video-EEG monitoring. All raters were blind to EEG and clinical information. They were requested to (1) rate the videos for quality and content; (2) choose among four diagnoses: (a) epileptic seizures; (b) PNES; (c) Other nonepileptic seizures (syncope, movement disorder, migraine, etc.); (d) “Cannot Say”; and (3) explain in their own words the main reasons leading to the diagnosis of choice. The results were compared to those of four blind epileptologists who independently reviewed the same cases. The inter-rater reliability was tested with the Kappa statistic. ResultsAll psychiatrists were concordant and correct in 3/23 video-events, compared to 8/23 among epileptologists. Despite widespread disagreement among themselves and frequent failures as a group, individual psychiatrists scored a comparable number of correct diagnoses as did individual epileptologists. The comments provided to justify the diagnosis of choice differed from neurologists, varied among raters, and reflected considerable attention to body movements and body language. ConclusionPsychiatrists, as a group, are less reliable than neurologists in differentiating seizure types on video but, as individuals, can be quite accurate in making the correct diagnosis because they are more attuned to capture the subtleties of human behaviour, of subjective experiences, as the effects of hidden internal conflicts and can contribute a new lexicon in defining PNES.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in children and adolescents: Part I - Diagnostic formulations.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are a nonspecific, umbrella category that is used to collect together a range of atypical neurophysiological responses to emotional distress, physiological stressors and danger. Because PNES mimic epileptic seizures, children and adolescents with PNES usually present to neurologists or to epilepsy monitoring units. After a comprehensive neurological evaluation and a diagnosis of PNES, the patient is referred to mental health services for treatment. This study documents the diagnostic formulations – the clinical formulations about the probable neurophysiological mechanisms – that were constructed for 60 consecutive children and adolescents with PNES who were referred to our Mind-Body Rehabilitation Programme for treatment. As a heuristic framework, we used a contemporary reworking of Janet’s dissociation model: PNES occur in the context of a destabilized neural system and reflect a release of prewired motor programmes following a functional failure in cognitive-emotional executive control circuitry. Using this framework, we clustered the 60 patients into six different subgroups: (1) dissociative PNES (23/60; 38%), (2) dissociative PNES triggered by hyperventilation (32/60; 53%), (3) innate defence responses presenting as PNES (6/60; 10%), (4) PNES triggered by vocal cord adduction (1/60; 2%), (5) PNES triggered by activation of the valsalva manoeuvre (1/60; 1.5%) and (6) PNES triggered by reflex activation of the vagus (2/60; 3%). As described in the companion article, these diagnostic formulations were used, in turn, both to inform the explanations of PNES that we gave to families and to design clinical interventions for helping the children and adolescents gain control of their PNES.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in children and adolescents: Part II - explanations to families, treatment, and group outcomes.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) – time-limited disturbances of consciousness and motor-sensory control, not accompanied by ictal activity on electroencephalogram (EEG) – are best conceptualized as atypical neurophysiological responses to emotional distress, physiological stressors and danger. Patients and families find the diagnosis of PNES difficult to understand; the transition from neurology (where the diagnosis is made) to mental health services (to which patients are referred for treatment) can be a bumpy one. This study reports how diagnostic formulations constructed for 60 consecutive children and adolescents with PNES were used to inform both the explanations about PNES that were given to them and their families and the clinical interventions that were used to help patients gain control over PNES. Families were able to accept the diagnosis of PNES and engage in treatment when it was explained how emotional distress, illness and states of high arousal could activate atypical defence responses in the body and brain – with PNES being an unwanted by-product of this process. Patients and their families made good use of therapeutic interventions. A total of 75% of children/adolescents (45/60) regained normal function and attained full-time return to school. Global Assessment of Functioning scores increased from 41 to 67 (t(54) = 10.09; p < .001). Outcomes were less favourable in children/adolescents who presented with chronic PNES and in those with a chronic, comorbid mental health disorder that failed to resolve with treatment. The study highlights that prompt diagnosis, followed by prompt multidisciplinary assessment, engagement, and treatment, achieves improved outcomes in children/adolescents with PNES.

Delay in diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures in adults: A post hoc study

PurposeThe aim of the current post hoc study was to investigate factors associated with delay in diagnosis of adult patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). MethodsWe retrospectively investigated all patients with PNES admitted to the epilepsy-monitoring unit at the Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center from 2012 through 2016. We identified the median time to diagnosis of PNES and divided the patients into two groups. We studied factors associated with delay in diagnosis of PNES. ResultsIn all, 49 patients (39 women and 10 men) were studied. Mean age at the time of admission was 40±16years and at the onset of the seizures was 34±16years. Disease duration was 5.6±8.2years. The median for time to diagnosis was 3years. Patients with early diagnosis (before 3years after seizure onset) (21 patients) and patients with late diagnosis (delay of 3years or more from onset) (28 patients) were compared. Only history of head trauma had significant association with the delay in diagnosis: 2 of 19 patients (7%) with an early diagnosis and 11 of 28 patients (39%) with a late diagnosis reported head trauma (P=0.02). ConclusionDelay in diagnosis of PNES is common, and some factors (e.g., history of head trauma) may contribute to this delay. It is important that physicians involved in the management of seizures appreciate the importance of making an early and definitive diagnosis of PNES.

Semiology of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: An international cross-cultural study

PurposeWe compared the semiology of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) between patients from the USA and Brazil. This international cross-cultural comparative study may expand understanding of PNES across the borders. MethodsWe retrospectively investigated all patients with PNES admitted to one epilepsy center in the USA and one in Brazil. We classified their seizures into four classes: generalized motor, akinetic, focal motor, and subjective symptoms. All patients were interviewed by an epileptologist in both countries and were administered psychological assessment measures, including questions about PNES risk factors. For the statistical analyses, we compared patients from the two nations. ResultsEighty-nine patients (49 from the USA and 40 from Brazil) were studied. Patients from the two countries were not significantly different with regard to sex and age, but patients from Brazil had earlier age at onset (26years vs. 34years; P=0.004) and a significantly greater delay in diagnosis (9.9years vs. 5.6years; P=0.001). Some characteristics of PNES were different between the two groups; patients from the USA had generally more seizure types and more often reported subjective seizures (55% in the USA vs. 10% in Brazil; P=0.0001). Clinical and historical characteristics of the patients were not significantly different. ConclusionDelay in diagnosis of PNES may represent a major factor in resource-limited countries. Large multicenter cross-cultural studies may reveal subtle but significant cross-cultural differences with respect to the semiological, clinical, and historical aspects of PNES; however, patients with PNES share more similarities than differences.

Clinical utility of serum lactate levels for differential diagnosis of generalized tonic–clonic seizures from psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and syncope

BackgroundThe differential diagnosis of generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS), psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), and syncope constitutes a major challenge. Misdiagnosis rates up to 20 to 30% are reported in the literature. PurposeTo assess the clinical utility of serum lactate levels for differentiation of GTCS, PNES, and syncope based on gender differences. MethodsData from 270 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Only patients ≥18 years old with the final diagnosis of GTCS, PNES, or syncope in their chart were recruited. Serum lactate levels were measured in the first 2h of the index event. ResultsSerum lactate levels in patients with GTCS (n=157) were significantly higher than in the patients with PNES (n=25) (p<0.001) and syncope (n=88) (p<0.001). When compared with the females, serum lactate levels in patients with GTCS were significantly higher in the male subgroup (p=0.004). In male patients the ROC analysis yielded a serum lactate value of 2.43mmol/l with a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.88 as the optimal cut-off value to distinguish GTCS from other events. The ROC analysis for the AUC yielded a high estimate of 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.91–0.98). When a cut-off value of 2.43mmol/l was chosen for the females, which was an optimal value for male patients, the specificity was 0.85, however, the sensitivity was 0.64. ConclusionWe propose that serum lactate level when measured in the first 2h after the index event has a high clinical utility in the differential diagnosis of GTCS, PNES, and syncope. With concomitant clinical signs and physical examination findings besides neuroimaging and EEG, elevated levels of lactate should be taken into account when evaluating a patient with impaired consciousness. On the other hand, the suggested cut-off value 2.43mmol/l might not have a discriminative effect between GTCS, PNES, and syncope in female patients. This finding should be verified in a prospectively designed study with a larger patient population.

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures.

In this review, we elucidate the evaluation process involved in the diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). Minimum clinical criteria required to attain this diagnosis via a staged approach are delineated. The psychological underpinnings and management of PNES from the neurologists' perspective are also explored. Helpful clues can be deduced from history-taking, seizure semiology, ictal/peri-ictal physical exam, and ictal/inter-ictal EEG data. No single clinical data point is definitively diagnostic of PNES. Instead, the level of certainty for PNES diagnosis is contingent upon concordance of the composite clinical evidence available. Robust neurologist-patient alliance not only facilitates the evaluation process but can influence therapeutic impact. While diagnosis of PNES can be challenging, this diagnosis can be reliably made upon establishing concordance of the historical, physical exam, and video-EEG findings. Evidence-based treatments are available for patients with PNES. Continued efforts remain necessary to enhance timely diagnosis and interdisciplinary management for patients with PNES.

PNES around the world: Where we are now and how we can close the diagnosis and treatment gaps-an ILAE PNES Task Force report.

SummaryAn 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.

Diagnosing psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Video-EEG monitoring, suggestive seizure induction and diagnostic certainty.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) can remain undiagnosed for many years, leading to unnecessary medication and delayed treatment. A recent report by the International League Against Epilepsy Nonepileptic Seizures Task Force recommends a staged approach to the diagnosis of PNES (LaFrance, et al., 2013). We aimed to investigate its practical utility, and to apply the proposed classification to evaluate the role of long-term video-EEG monitoring (VEEG) and suggestive seizure induction (SSI) in PNES workup. Using electronic medical records, 122 inpatients (mean age 36.0±12.9years; 68% women) who received the diagnosis of PNES at our epilepsy center during a 4.3-year time period were included. There was an 82.8% agreement between diagnostic certainty documented at discharge and that assigned retroactively using the Task Force recommendations. In a minority of cases, having used the Task Force criteria could have encouraged the clinicians to give more certain diagnoses, exemplifying the Task Force report's utility. Both VEEG and SSI were effective at supporting high level diagnostic certainty. Interestingly, about one in four patients (26.2%) had a non-diagnostic ("negative") VEEG but a positive SSI. On average, this subgroup did not have significantly shorter mean VEEG recording times than VEEG-positive patients. However, VEEG-negative/SSI-positive patients had a significantly lower habitual seizure frequency than their counterparts. This finding emphasizes the utility of SSI in ascertaining the diagnosis of PNES in patients who do not have a spontaneous habitual event during VEEG due to, for example, low seizure frequency.

Epileptic vs psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: a video-based survey.

Psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES) are present in up to 30% of patients undergoing video EEG. Delay in PNES diagnosis is an average of 7.2years. Patients are exposed to costly, hazardous medications and other iatrogenic morbidities. Our aim was to investigate the ability to correctly diagnose ES from PNES in different groups and seniorities of medical professionals based on video alone. We showed ten video episodes' recordings (5 PNES, 5 ES) to doctors and nurses from ER, Internal Medicine ward and Neurology department, and inquired about the episodes' nature. 46 participants, 26 non-neurological and 20 neurological personnel. Seniority of responders varied. Epileptologists diagnosed correctly 87.5% of cases, General neurologists 72.8%. Neurology nurses 69.8%, ER nurses 58%, Internal Medicine physicians 54.1% and ER physicians 44.4%. Statistical significant difference between the general physicians to all neurology group professions was >0.05. We pointed out the lack of awareness of first responders to patients presenting with seizures. Neurologist ability to recognize seizures using semiology alone is higher than other medical personnel. Take home messages is the need for video taking of episodes and education plan to first responders.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Namibian healthcare providers’ perceptions and frustrations

PurposeMost studies conducted on the diagnosis and treatment of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) have been performed in developed countries with developing countries, such as Namibia, receiving less attention. This study aimed to contribute to the aims of The International League against Epilepsy Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizure Task Force by investigating the perceptions and frustrations of healthcare providers (HCPs) in Namibia regarding the diagnosis and treatment of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen HCPs from the private healthcare sector in Namibia. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the semi-structured interviews in order to identify themes and subthemes within the data. ResultsMain themes centred on the areas of diagnosis, treatment, patients and awareness. It was found that HCPs’ perceptions and frustrations were often related to the lack of knowledge and awareness regarding the disorder. Furthermore, the lack of access to specialized services and equipment contributed to HCPs’ frustrations. Delays in the diagnosis of PNES added to HCPs’ concerns regarding ineffective referral practices and the subsequent increase in healthcare costs. Although HCPs expressed the need for adequate training opportunities and increased awareness concerning the disorder, the lack of such opportunities and awareness campaigns were identified as possible problem areas. ConclusionsIt was evident from the findings that there are several gaps in how PNES are diagnosed and treated in Namibia. The unique challenges faced by a developing country such as Namibia were evident in some of the subthemes that highlighted the cultural differences in how PNES are conceptualized and treated.