Nonepileptic Spells

doi:10.1017/9781108754200.010

Chapter 9 - Nonepileptic Spells

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 October 2019

Tasleema Khan and

Selim Benbadis

Edited by

Vibhangini S. Wasade and

Marianna V. Spanaki

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Vibhangini S. Wasade: Affiliation:
Henry Ford Medical Group HFHS, Michigan
Marianna V. Spanaki: Affiliation:
Wayne State University, Michigan

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Summary

Seizures and epilepsy are frequently misdiagnosed. Only about 50% of patients transferred to ICUs in tertiary hospitals after presumed status epilepticus are found to have status epilepticus.1 About 90% of those misdiagnosed with epilepsy actually have psychogenic nonepileptic event (PNEE).2 There are many other disorders misdiagnosed as epilepsy, organic and nonorganic, seen in adults and children. This chapter discusses the common differential diagnoses for epilepsy in hopes of making recognition of epilepsy imitators easier. As with any disorder, misdiagnosis delays the appropriate treatment needed to provide relief to the patient. In PNEE, a completely different therapeutic approach is needed (versus epileptic seizures), including psychotherapy and psychotropic medications. Antiseizure drugs (ASDs) used in those who do not need them place an unnecessary risk of common and rare side effects.

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Type: Chapter
Information: Understanding Epilepsy
A Study Guide for the Boards
, pp. 176 - 188

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108754200.010 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2019

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