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Nonepileptic paroxysmal events in a pediatric population

Ekrem Kutluay1, Linda Selwa, Daniela Minecan

  • 1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. ekutluay@mcw.edu

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|January 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Nonepileptic paroxysmal events are common in children, with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures most frequent in adolescents. Early inpatient monitoring is suggested for children with refractory events.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Neurophysiology

Background:

  • Nonepileptic paroxysmal events (NEPEs) are frequently encountered in pediatric populations.
  • The etiology of NEPEs in children can be more varied than in adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the predominant types of NEPEs in pediatric patients.
  • To stratify these events based on age groups.
  • To understand the diagnostic landscape of NEPEs in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients monitored over a 3-year period.
  • Identification and categorization of nonepileptic events.
  • Age-based stratification of diagnosed NEPEs.

Main Results:

  • 23% of 416 pediatric patients had NEPEs.
  • Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) accounted for 38% of NEPEs.
  • Adolescents comprised 72% of PNES diagnoses.
  • Behavioral events and parasomnias were common in children under 5.
  • Stereotyped movements and myoclonus were also diagnosed.

Conclusions:

  • NEPEs are a significant concern in pediatric neurology.
  • PNES are a prominent diagnosis, particularly in adolescents.
  • Behavioral events and parasomnias are key differential diagnoses in younger children.
  • Early inpatient monitoring should be considered for pediatric patients with refractory paroxysmal events.

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