Functional/dissociative seizures: Proposal for a new diagnostic label and definition by the ILAE task force

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Medical Terminology

Background:

• The term "psychogenic nonepileptic seizures" (PNES) faces challenges in acceptability and validity.
• Current varied terminology causes confusion among professionals and patients, hindering research and service development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a uniform and integrative terminology for seizures previously labeled as PNES.
• To address the need for a standardized diagnostic label to facilitate research and clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Convened task forces and workshops involving experts by experience, clinicians, researchers, and patient advocacy groups.
• Reviewed existing literature, academic insights, clinical experience, and international classification systems.
• Debated nomenclature and classification of seizures commonly labeled as PNES.

Main Results:

• The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) task force proposes the new term "functional/dissociative seizures" (FDS).
• The dual characterization "functional/dissociative" allows flexibility for clinicians based on patient profiles and context.
• The abbreviation "FDS" is recommended for scientific writing.

Conclusions:

• The proposed term "functional/dissociative seizures" (FDS) aims to enhance clarity and consistency in diagnosing and discussing these events.
• This new terminology supports better research funding, service development, and patient care.
• The flexibility of "FDS" accommodates diverse clinical, cultural, and linguistic factors.