title: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures mimicking gelastic seizures: A description of two cases.
abstract: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are sudden, involuntary seizure-like attacks that, unlike epileptic seizures, are not related to electrographic ictal discharges and are psychological in nature. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures presenting symptoms mimic a wide array of nervous system dysfunctions, as they involve changes in behavior, motor activity, sensation, cognitive, and autonomic functions. Spontaneous paroxysms of laughing resembling gelastic seizure have only exceptionally been reported as main symptom of PNES. Here, we describe the cases of two patients with a prolonged history of laughter attacks mistaken for epilepsy and unresponsive to AED treatment. Brain MRI and interictal EEG were unremarkable. Video-EEG monitoring allowed us to document the spontaneous and suggestion-induced habitual episodes that were then diagnosed as PNES.
authors.affiliation: IRCCS NEUROMED, via Atinense n.18, 86077 Pozzilli, IS, Italy.
authors.forename: Addolorata
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mascia
authors.affiliation: IRCCS NEUROMED, via Atinense n.18, 86077 Pozzilli, IS, Italy.
authors.forename: Pier Paolo
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Quarato
authors.affiliation: IRCCS NEUROMED, via Atinense n.18, 86077 Pozzilli, IS, Italy.
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: D'Aniello
authors.affiliation: IRCCS NEUROMED, via Atinense n.18, 86077 Pozzilli, IS, Italy.
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Di Gennaro
keywords: AEDs, antiepileptic drugs; Gelastic seizures; PNES, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures; Psychogenic nonepileptic seizure; Video-EEG monitoring