Use of short term video EEG in the diagnosis of attack disorders
- Correspondence to: Dr A McGonigal Regional Epilepsy Service, Institute of Neurology, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK; aileenmcghotmail.com
- Received 1 August 2003
- Accepted 16 September 2003
Abstract
Background: Distinguishing epileptic from psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) often requires video electroencephalography (EEG) recording. Inpatient recording is a limited resource; some evidence suggests that short term video EEG (SVEEG) is useful, but its role in practice has yet to be evaluated.
Objective: To assess the usefulness of SVEEG in the diagnosis of attack disorders.
Methods: One hundred and forty three SVEEG recordings were performed during an 18 month period.
Results: A diagnostic event was recorded in 72 of 143 (50.3%): PNES (n = 51), epilepsy (n = 7), or other attacks, such as movement disorders (n = 14).
Conclusions: SVEEG is a robust and useful diagnostic technique, which complements existing resources.
- EEG, electroencephalography
- PNES, psychogenic non-epileptic seizures
- SVEEG, short term video electroencephalography
Footnotes
-
Competing interest: none declared
