Improved prediction of nonepileptic seizures with combined MMPI and EEG measures.
OBJECTIVE
Nonepileptic seizures (NESs) are frequently mistaken for epileptic seizures (ESs). Improved detection of patients with NESs could lead to more appropriate treatment and medical cost savings. Previous studies have shown the MMPI/MMPI-2 to be a useful predictor of NES. We hypothesized that combining the MMPI-2 with a physiologic predictor of epilepsy (routine EEG; rEEG) would result in enhanced prediction of NES.


METHODS
Consecutive patients undergoing CCTV-EEG monitoring underwent rEEG evaluation and completed an MMPI-2. Patients were subsequently classified as having epilepsy (n = 91) or NESs (n = 76) by using standardized criteria. Logistic regression was used to predict seizure type classification.


RESULTS
Overall classification accuracy was 74% for rEEG, 71% for MMPI-2 Hs scale, and 77% for MMPI-2 Hy scale. The model that best predicted diagnosis included rEEG, MMPI-2, and number of years since the first spell, resulting in an overall classification accuracy of 86%.


CONCLUSIONS
The high accuracy achieved by the model suggests that it may be useful for screening candidates for diagnostic telemetry.
Storzbach
D
D
Oregon Health Sciences, University Epilepsy Center and Portland Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, USA. storzbach.daniel@portland.va.gov
Binder
L M
LM
Salinsky
M C
MC
Campbell
B R
BR
Mueller
R M
RM
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008950:MMPI / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D011336:Probability; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012640:Seizures / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*