Epilepsy versus non-epileptic attack disorder: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Catherine Smith, Jason Ramtahal

South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Torquay, UK.
South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Torquay, UK;.

DOI: 10.4236/crcm.2013.21001                

Abstract

Epilepsy and non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD) share a vast number of clinical features, however the aetiology and management are very different. Video-EEG is the gold standard diagnostic tool and relies on the occurrence of seizure activity during assessment to make a diagnosis. Added complexity arises from the co-existence of epilepsy and NEAD, occurring in a significant proportion of patients. Comprehensive assessment and investigation is therefore required to prevent gross mistreatment in this diagnostically difficult subgroup. We present a case of NEAD with co-existing epilepsy and the challenges that this may present in clinical practice.

Keywords

Epilepsy; Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder; NEAD; Seizure; Video-EEG

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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