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. 2021 Aug;64(8):384-392.
doi: 10.3345/cep.2020.00451. Epub 2020 Sep 18.

Is it really a seizure? The challenge of paroxysmal nonepileptic events in young infants

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Is it really a seizure? The challenge of paroxysmal nonepileptic events in young infants

Seung Yeon Jung et al. Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Paroxysmal nonepileptic events (PNE) comprise of a variety of nonepileptic behaviors and are divided into various types. A more accurate diagnosis is possible by examining the video clip provided by the caregiver. In infants, physiologic PNE accounts for the majority of the PNE. It is important to exclude epilepsy, for which blood tests, electroencephalography, and imaging tests can facilitate differential diagnosis. Since most PNE have a benign progress, symptoms often improve with age and without special treatment. Therefore, it is important to reassure the caregivers after making an accurate diagnosis.

Keywords: Electroencephalography; Epilepsy; Infant; Nonepileptic seizure; Seizure.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Diagnostic approach to paroxysmal nonepileptic events. EEG, electroencephalography.

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