Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
What is "treatment as usual" for nonepileptic seizures?
W Curt LaFrance1, Mark D Rusch, Jason T Machan
1Division of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI 02903, USA. William_LaFrance_Jr@Brown.edu <William_LaFrance_Jr@Brown.edu>
Objective:
A recent NINDS/NIMH/AES-sponsored international NES Treatment Workshop identified a lack of knowledge in the field regarding standard of care in the management of patients with psychological nonepileptic seizures (NES).
Methods:
We administered a survey to AES clinicians to determine actual postdiagnostic instructions given to patients and referral practices, or NES treatment as usual.
Results:
The majority of respondents were epileptologists, followed by neurologists, neuropsychologists, and nurses, evenly dispersed across the United States. Almost all respondents reported discussing the diagnosis of NES with the patients. Sixty-nine percent of neurologists continued to follow the patient after NES diagnosis. Treatment referrals were most commonly made to psychiatrists and psychologists. Antiepileptic drugs were tapered by 83% of the respondents, and 47% prescribed psychotropic medications if comorbid diagnoses were made.
Conclusion:
This is the first known national survey that summarizes national practices and the range of care, or treatment as usual, offered to patients with NES.
Related Concept Videos
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
Seizures l: Introduction
Epilepsy ll: Types
Electroconvulsive Therapy

