Abstracts

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) represent 20-30% of patients evaluated at specialized epilepsy centers. Like psychogenic symptoms in general, PNES are typically seen in young adults. Our objective was to describe a series of patients with PNES of late onset. We reviewed our database of patients diagnosed with PNES by EEG-video monitoring, and selected patients with late onset, defined as age 60 or later. Between January 2002 and March 2004, a total of 94 patients were diagnosed with PNES. Of these, 9 (9.6%) had PNES of late onset. Eight patients had a spell induced by activation, while one had a spontaneous event. Ages ranged from 60 to 78 (mean of 65.5). Eight of nine patients were women. [ldquo]Seizure[rdquo] type was heterogeneous, ranging from mild tremors to full convulsion with loss of consciousness. Frequency was once weekly to two to four times daily. Four of nine patients had a diagnosis of mood or anxiety disorder and were on an antidepressant, anxiolytic, or both. Five patients were receiving an anticonvulsant. PNES with onset after age 60 is not common but does occur. Patient[rsquo]s psychosocial characteristics appear otherwise similar to younger patients with PNES.