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Updated: May 27, 2026
07:35
Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
Published on: July 8, 2025
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: a challenging entity
Kinshuk Sahaya1, Swapan A Dholakia, Pradeep K Sahota
1Department of Neurology, CE 507, 5 Hospital Drive, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65212, USA. kinshuksahaya@yahoo.com
Summary
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are frequently misdiagnosed as epilepsy, leading to inappropriate treatments and patient harm. This review clarifies PNES features and effective management strategies for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are a common diagnostic challenge in neurology.
- Misdiagnosis as epileptic seizures is frequent, delaying appropriate care and exposing patients to risks from anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a contemporary overview of PNES.
- To highlight clinically relevant features and current management strategies for PNES.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing current knowledge on PNES.
- Focuses on clinically relevant aspects and management.
Main Results:
- PNES are often misdiagnosed, leading to prolonged and incorrect treatment with AEDs.
- Misdiagnosis results in significant patient burden, including financial strain and activity limitations.
Conclusions:
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of PNES is crucial to avoid iatrogenic harm.
- Effective management strategies should be implemented to improve patient quality of life.
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