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Psychogenic seizures in children: long-term analysis of 43 cases

M E Lancman1, J J Asconapé, S Graves

  • 1Department of Neurology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157.

Journal of Child Neurology
|October 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

This study examined psychogenic seizures in 43 children and adolescents. Findings indicate significant distress and quality of life impacts, with no clear predictors for seizure outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Psychogenic seizures, also known as non-epileptic seizures, often begin in childhood or adolescence.
  • Understanding the clinical characteristics and impact of these seizures is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical features, associated distress, and quality of life in pediatric patients with psychogenic seizures.
  • To identify potential predictors of clinical outcomes in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 43 patients with psychogenic seizures onset before age 16.
  • Utilized electroencephalography (EEG) and video-EEG monitoring for diagnosis.
  • Assessed clinical seizure characteristics, neuropsychological function, and patient/family distress.

Main Results:

  • The study included 32 females and 11 males, with a mean age of onset at 12.4 years.
  • Common seizure features included unresponsiveness with violent movements or generalized trembling.
  • Significant personal and family distress was reported, impacting quality of life, with no statistically significant predictors of outcome identified.

Conclusions:

  • Psychogenic seizures in pediatric patients are associated with considerable distress and reduced quality of life.
  • Clinical presentation is variable, and current diagnostic methods did not reveal significant predictors for long-term outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to identify prognostic factors and optimize treatment strategies.

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