Características demográficas, epileptológicas e psiquiátricas associadas à coexistência de epilepsia e crises não epilépticas psicogênicas

Abstract

Title: Demographic, Epileptological and Psychiatric Features of Co-existing Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures and Epilepsy. Introduction: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) comprise the most important differential diagnosis in patients with suspected epileptic seizures (ES), but a clear diagnosis of either one does not preclude at all the other. This co-existence, which has a complex diagnosis and management, is a frequently overlooked co-morbidity, especially in patients with refractory epilepsy. A timely and proper diagnosis of this association reduces risks related to omission of one, improving quality of life and optimizing resources in health care. Objective: To investigate demographic, epidemiologic and psychiatric features suggestive of co-existing ES and PNES that may contribute to precocious suspicion of the association. Material and methods: In this prospective study, all patients older than 16 year admitted to epilepsy surgery program for investigation of seizures with prolonged video-electroencephalogram (V-EEG), from March 2014 to November 2015 were evaluated about demographic, epileptological and psychiatric characteristics. After evaluation, a total of 86 patients received a definitive diagnosis, within the following groups: ES only, PNES only and co-existing ES and PNES. Results: PNES was found in 29% of patients (n=25), with co-existence with ES was revealed in 52 % of these (n=13). Features associated to co-existence was more than one seizure type, temporal lone epilepsy with multifocal or bi-temporal epileptic discharges, and nonspecific white matter hyperintensities on MRI, along with a higher number of psychiatric diagnoses, somatoform disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, and a previous history of psychosis. Also, depression and anxiety levels during evaluation were associated to co-existing PNES and ES. Conclusion: The high prevalence of this co-existence reinforces a need to properly investigate PNES, especially in patients with confirmed ES who become refractory to medical treatment with antiepileptic drugs. The finding of temporal lobe epilepsy with bi-temporal or multifocal spikes associated to this co-existence differs from other studies and deserves to be further evaluated. A thorough anamnesis, focused on semiology of seizures and psychiatric issues contribute to heighten suspicion of the co-existence. Clinical features that suggest a more careful look include multiple seizure types, along with a high number of psychiatric diagnoses in a same patient, especially bipolar affective disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and a previous history of psychosis, associated to higher levels of anxiety and depression during hospitalization are all highly suggestive of co-existing ES and PNES. This co-existing is common, frequently unsuspected and should not be undermined as a cause of refractory epilepsy and significant suffering for patients and caregivers.