Abstracts

Rationale: To assess the frequency of patients admitted to an EMU with non-epileptic seizuresMethods: A retrospective database and chart review of all patients who present to an EMU during a one year period. Of these patients, the records were analyzed to see what percentage of patients were diagnosed with non-epileptic seizures, and to see what further subset of patients had both epileptic and non-epileptic seizures.Results: Of a total of 518 patients that were admitted to the EMU at the of the University of Buffalo, 125 (24.5%) were diagnosed with non-epileptic seizures. Of these, the ages ranged from 7-76 years (mean 32.6). The average duration of stay was 3 days and the average number of clinical events was 3.7. Nineteen (15%) patients had greater than 10 spells. Sixty-nine (55%) patients were taking anti-epileptic drugs at the time of admission. Of these, at the time of diagnosis, 38 (55%) were taken off of their anti-epileptic drugs and 3 (2%) had a reduction of their dose). Thirteen (19%) patients were found to have both epileptic and non-epileptic seizures. Twenty-five percent of patients had interictal abnormalities on their EEG.Conclusions: Non-epileptic seizures are an unfortunate but common finding in patients presenting to EMUs. They are real events and can be distressing on the patients and their families. Our observation of 24.5% of patients referred to our EMU is consistent with the rate documented in previous reports. By identifying non-epileptic seizures in patients via video EEG monitoring, we can potentially limit the number of medications and thereby reduce potentially harmful side effects of anti-epileptic medications. Vigilance is required when suspecting, working up and treating non-epileptic seizures. Every attempt should be made to diagnose and treat their symptoms accordingly at the earliest opportunity.