engleski

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures

PNES are psychologically derived paroxysmal events which commonly present in early adulthood, occur more often in woman, and can appear clinically similar to a number of other neurological disorders. Events can include variable and non- stereotypical features, with a duration of seconds to minutes. It is known that certain epilepsy syndromes can present without clear epileptiform changes, and this adds to the difficulty in accurate diagnosis of PNES. Accurate and timely diagnosis of PNES is paramount to the health and well-being of the patient. Video EEG is important not only as a diagnostic tool in PNES, but also in facilitating patient acceptance of the diagnosis, and compliance towards the recommended therapy. Misdiagnosis remains an important issues in PNES, and serious steps need to be taken to minimize this occurrence in the PNES community. Misdiagnosis leads to burden to both the patient and the health care system, resulting in unnecessary hospital stays, and interventions. More than half of patients with PNES suffer from one or more comorbidities. Timely and accurate diagnosis of PNES, allows for a treatment plan of the patient’s comorbidities, which can improve overall psychological well- being and functioning of the patient. Treatment options of PNES are limited, with psychological therapy being first line treatment. The purpose of this paper is to give a general overview of PNES, the clinical aspects of the events, the diagnostic and treatment challenges, it’s comorbidities, therapy, with emphasis on the importance of early recognition and accurate diagnosis in improving long term outcome in the patient.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, EEG, comorbidity, conversion disorder

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