Non-epileptic seizures: management and predictive factors of outcome

Abstract

We report a prospective series of 18 patients with a diagnosis of non-epileptic seizures (NES, pseudoseizures) identified in one unit. Sixteen patients agreed to complete a therapeutic programme. At the end of treatment eight were seizure free, three had only occasional NES and five were unchanged. At 1-year follow-up the situation remained similar regarding seizures, with responders demonstrating an improvement in social functioning and a marked reduction in demands on health service resources. Admission variables significantly associated with a poor outcome were an IQ of less than 80 and a past history of violent behaviour.