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Review
. 2016 Apr-May;172(4-5):263-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2015.12.011. Epub 2016 Apr 23.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)

C Hingray  1 , J Biberon  2 , W El-Hage  3 , B de Toffol  4
Affiliations
Review

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)

C Hingray et al. Rev Neurol (Paris). 2016 Apr-May.

Abstract

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are defined as change in behavior or consciousness resembling epileptic seizures but which have a psychological origin. PNES are categorized as a manifestation of dissociative or somatoform (conversion) disorders. Video-EEG recording of an event is the gold standard for diagnosis. PNES represent a symptom, not the underlying disease and the mechanism of dissociation is pivotal in the pathophysiology. Predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors should be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis. The process of communicating the diagnosis using a multidisciplinary approach is an important and effective therapeutic step.

Keywords: Dissociative seizures; Epilepsy; Psychic trauma; Psychogenic non epileptic seizures.

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