Withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs in people with non-epileptic seizures
- Correspondence to: H A Ring Developmental Psychiatry Section, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 2AH, UK; har28cam.ac.uk
The withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs from people with non-epileptic seizures can result in significant benefits
Non-epileptic seizures (NES) substantially disturb the health and well being of those who suffer from them. In financial terms, the treatment costs of undiagnosed NES may approximate the lifetime costs associated with the treatment of intractable epilepsy. Although difficulties in clarifying the diagnosis are often considerable and the psychological complexity of the condition can appear daunting,1 nevertheless significant reductions in medical costs and healthcare utilisation rates have been reported to follow appropriate diagnosis and management of these patients.2 Studies that contribute to the improved management of this relatively under-researched condition3 are therefore valuable and in the …
