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

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.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes