Semiological characteristics of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Gender-related differences

Publication date: December 2018Source: Epilepsy & Behavior, Volume 89Author(s): Meltem Korucuk, Sibel Gazioglu, Ahmet Yildirim, Evrim Ozkorumak Karaguzel, Sibel K. VeliogluAbstractPsychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are more prevalent among women, and diagnosis may sometimes be delayed by as much as seven years. Understanding the effect of gender on the presentation of a PNES may assist with diagnosis based on semiological details in the clinical setting. Although video-EEG monitoring (VEM) is the gold standard for diagnosing PNES, determining gender-related seizure semiology through careful history may prevent diagnostic delay while waiting for VEM. The aim of this study was to investigate gender-related differences in the semiology of PNES.Patients, all aged at least 16 years, diagnosed with PNES following VEM between December 2005 and November 2016 were included in this study. All patients' medical records and video-EEG-documented PNES were reviewed, and the presence or absence of semiological signs was recorded for each documented attack. Demographic features and semiological signs of PNES were compared between female and male patients.Forty-one patients (31 females, 10 males) aged 27.2 ± 12.2 years (range: 16–65) were included in the study. Mean age at onset of PNES was higher for female patients than males, at 24.3 ± 11.5 versus 17.5 ± 3.2 years (p = 0.005). The median duration of PNES was longer for female patients than males, at 10 mi...

Source: Epilepsy and Behavior - November 9, 2018 Category: Neurology Source Type: research