Induction of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures without placebo.
The diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) can only be made with EEG-video monitoring. The authors describe a provocative technique without placebo. Patients with a clinical suspicion for PNES underwent an activation procedure using suggestion, hyperventilation, and photic stimulation. Of 19 inductions performed, 16 (84%) were successful in inducing the habitual episode. The authors' technique had a sensitivity comparable to those using placebo (e.g., saline injection), but does not have disadvantages.
Benbadis
S R
SR
Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA. sbenbadi@hsc.usf.edu
Johnson
K
K
Anthony
K
K
Caines
G
G
Hess
G
G
Jackson
C
C
Vale
F L
FL
Tatum
W O
WO
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis*
D010919:Placebos