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Revista Colombiana de Psiquiatría
Print version ISSN 0034-7450
Abstract
GIAGANTE, Brenda; D'ALESSIO, Luciana; SILVA, Walter and KOCHEN, Silvia. Non-Epileptic Psychogenic Seizures. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2007, vol.36, suppl.1, pp.187-207. ISSN 0034-7450.
Introduction: Non-epileptic psychogenic seizures (NEPS) pose challenging diffi culties regarding diagnosis, psychopathology and psychotherapy in clinical practice for neurologists, psychiatrists and psychologists. They are defi ned as episodes that emulate a seizure but are not accompanied by abnormal electrical activity in the central nervous system. Objective: To engage in the appropriate treatment early on, avoiding misdiagnoses with dire consequences for the patient and the health system. Method: Clinical and paraclinical instruments for its diagnosis are presented, along with video-electroencephalography (video-EEG) testing, single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT), measurement of prolactin levels and the intake of a complete psychiatric history. Conclusions: NEPS conform an heterogeneous syndrome. The diagnosis of the underlying psychopathological disorder as well as the assessment of the predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors is mandatory in order to achieve an adequate treatment.
Keywords : Seizures; epilepsy; single photon emission computed tomography..