Psychiatr. praxi. 2022;23(3):161-166 [Neurol. praxi. 2022;23(5):355-361]

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

MUDr. Ondřej Strýček, Ph.D., prof. MUDr. Milan Brázdil, Ph.D.

Centrum pro epilepsie Brno, I. neurologická klinika FN u sv. Anny a Lékařské fakulty Masarykovy univerzity, Brno

Středoevropský technologický institut - CEITEC, Brno

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are the second most common functional neurological disorder after movement disorders. They are paroxysmal pathological behavioral manifestations or experiences, which clinically resemble epileptic seizures or syncope. However, they do not have the same pathophysiological cause (i.e. electrophysiological correlate typical of seizures or hypoperfusion of the brain typical of syncope). Although it is a functional neurological disorder with characteristic features, its diagnose is often difficult. It usually lasts several years from the first attack to making a correct diagnosis, during which patients are inadequately treated and therefore iatrogenized. Treatment is difficult and most patients are not compensated for a long time, which makes PNES a very serious medical and socioeconomic problem.

Keywords: psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, epilepsy, video­‑EEG, semiology.

Published: October 25, 2022  Show citation