Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2016 Apr-May;172(4-5):263-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2015.12.011. Epub 2016 Apr 23.

Abstract

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are defined as change in behavior or consciousness resembling epileptic seizures but which have a psychological origin. PNES are categorized as a manifestation of dissociative or somatoform (conversion) disorders. Video-EEG recording of an event is the gold standard for diagnosis. PNES represent a symptom, not the underlying disease and the mechanism of dissociation is pivotal in the pathophysiology. Predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors should be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis. The process of communicating the diagnosis using a multidisciplinary approach is an important and effective therapeutic step.

Keywords: Dissociative seizures; Epilepsy; Psychic trauma; Psychogenic non epileptic seizures.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / complications
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / diagnosis
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / epidemiology
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Conversion Disorder / diagnosis
  • Conversion Disorder / epidemiology
  • Conversion Disorder / etiology
  • Conversion Disorder / therapy
  • Emotions / physiology
  • Humans
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders* / complications
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders* / therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Seizures* / diagnosis
  • Seizures* / epidemiology
  • Seizures* / etiology
  • Seizures* / therapy
  • Somatoform Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Somatoform Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Somatoform Disorders* / etiology
  • Somatoform Disorders* / therapy