Psychogenic pseudoseizures in non-epileptic patients.
Twelve non-epileptic patients with psychogenic "convulsive" pseudoseizures were studied to delineate useful diagnostic criteria. Six patients had severe psychological disturbances, a long pseudoseizure history and a poor prognosis, while the other six showed little psychopathology, had undergone a recent emotional trauma to account for their pseudoseizures and had a relatively good prognosis. The characteristics of a typical attack precipitated by suggestion, the ictal or post-ictal EEG and the overall patient profile allowed a definite diagnosis in each case.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D012803:Sick Role; D013404:Suggestion