Pseudoseizures--risk factors and prognosis. A case-control study.
Risk factors and prognosis for pseudoseizures were studied in a matched pairs case-control investigation of Epilepsy Clinic out-patients. The case group comprised 28 patients with pseudoseizures, 4 of whom were without a prior diagnosis of epilepsy. The control group consisted of 28 age- and sex-matched epileptic patients. There was a marked female preponderance, 86%, in the group with pseudoseizures. The frequency of previous psychiatric problems was significantly higher in the case- than in the control group, while the factors major cerebral damage and idiopathic generalized epilepsy were significantly less prevalent. At follow-up, median 5.8 years after diagnosis of pseudoseizures, 45% of the patients in the case group were free from all types of seizures. A significantly higher proportion of cases, 55%, were living on public disablement pension, compared to 23% of control patients.
Kristensen
O
O
Epilepsy Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Alving
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D011379:Prognosis; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D014743:Videotape Recording