Development of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in response to auditory hallucinations.
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures can co-exist with epileptic seizures. Differentiating between the two is central to appropriate management. We report the case of a patient with established focal epilepsy who developed psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in direct response to second-person auditory hallucinations. To our knowledge, this is the first description of such an occurrence. These non-epileptic seizures improved with treatment of the underlying psychosis. The relationship between epilepsy and psychosis is outlined, and the possible causes and nosology of these psychogenic non-epileptic seizures are discussed.
Devine
Michael J
MJ
National Society for Epilepsy, Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 0RJ, United Kingdom. mike@actualmedia.com
Duncan
John S
JS
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012640:Seizures / Q000523:psychology*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018967:Risperidone