Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) — multidisciplinary problem

November 25, 2020
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All paroxysmal states can be rather conditionally divided into 3 main categories: epileptic seizures, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and physiological nonepileptic paroxysmal phenomena. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) has recognized PNES as one of the top 10 neuropsychiatric issues associated with epilepsy. Treatment of patients with PNES begins with an accurate diagnosis. The diagnostics erroneous of PNES leads to inappropriate treatment for suspected epilepsy which constitutes a significant risk of iatrogenic injury, complications and increased cost of treatment for patients and for the health care system. PNES can occur as a manifestation of independent conversion disorder that requires adequate diagnosis and differential diagnosis or it can be comorbid with other neurological, psychiatric and somatic disorders. The comorbidity of PNES with paroxysmal events, which are had in the clinical picture of a particular disease is quite common. The most studied and most likely common such comorbidity in patients with epilepsy.

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