Use of short term video EEG in the diagnosis of attack disorders.

Abstract

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. To assess the usefulness of SVEEG in the diagnosis of attack disorders. One hundred and forty three SVEEG recordings were performed during an 18 month period. 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). SVEEG is a robust and useful diagnostic technique, which complements existing resources.