Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures — Psychogenic nonepileptic seizure (PNES) can mimic epileptic seizures. In contrast to epileptic seizures, PNES are not associated with physiological central nervous system dysfunction but are instead psychogenically determined. PNES typically do not respond to AED therapy. While not without limitations, video-EEG monitoring is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of PNES.
Among patients referred to epilepsy monitoring units for apparent IE, 25 to 40 percent are diagnosed with PNES [75,76]. The clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of PNES are discussed separately. (See "Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures".)