Outcome of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures following diagnosis in the epilepsy monitoring unit

• DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1363459
• Publication Date: 2024-02-14T04:43:22Z
• Authors: Rachelle Abi-Nahed; Jimmy Li; Jasmine Carlier; Véronica Birca; Arline-Aude Bérubé; Dang Khoa Nguyen
• Keywords: Psychogenic disease; Conversion disorder

Objective To study the outcome of patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) after their diagnosis in epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU). Methods Patients diagnosed our EMU definite PNES between January 2009 and May 2023 were contacted by phone, those who agreed to participate asked a set predetermined questions. Comparative analyses carried out on several variables before diagnosis: number participants daily PNES, visits emergency department, consulted general practitioner or neurologist outside scheduled follow-up, took antiseizure medications (ASMs) psychotropic drugs, employment status. Results Out 103 61 (79% female) accepted study. The median age at onset was 35 years, delay 3 years. Almost two-thirds (62%) receiving ASMs 40% drugs. mean stay 5 days. explained almost all (97%) end well-accepted most (89%). When contacted, 46% no longer had PNES; 32% mentioned that ceased immediately upon communication diagnosis. follow-up duration 51 months. Fewer (18 vs. 38%; p < 0.0455). Similarly, department significantly lower (0 2; 0.001). Only 17 (vs. 40, 0.001) 20 55, attack follow-up. use also reduced from 70 33% ( 0.01), only one still taking an ASM for its properties. Significantly more working last than (49 25%; Conclusion Our revealed relatively favorable long-term translated significant reductions frequency, health care utilization use, as well increase rate.