Non-epileptic seizures

Question 1

What are febrile convulsions?

Answer 1

Brief and generalised tonic/tonic-clonic seizures due to rapid temperature rise, usually in viral infection

Question 2

Who are febrile convulsions seen in?

Answer 2

6 monts to 5yo

Question 3

Who are alcohol withdrawal seizures seen in?

Answer 3

Patients with history of alcohol excess who suddenly stop drinking

Question 4

When are alcohol seizures usually seen?

Answer 4

Within 48 hours of cessation of drinking, normally ~36 hours

Question 5

What is the management of alcohol withdrawal seizures?

Answer 5

Chlordiazepoxide to prevent

Question 6

What are psychogenic non-epileptic seizures?

Answer 6

Events resembling epileptic seizures but without the characteristic electrical changes

Question 7

What are the risk factors for psychogenic non-epileptic seizures?

Answer 7

Young women
Psych history
Recent head injury
History of abuse

Question 8

What are the distinguishing features of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures?

Answer 8

Seizures >2 minutes
Fluctuating course of severity
Convulsive/tonic-clonic resemblance
Side to side head movements
Biting tip of tongue
eyes closed
Rarely serious injury/incontinence

Question 9

How are psychogenic non-epileptic seizures diagnosed?

Answer 9

EEG monitoring

Question 10

What are some causes of non epileptic seizures?

Answer 10

Febrile convulsions
Alcohol withdrawal 
Psychogenic
Hypoglycaemia
Head injury

Question 11

What blood test can help differentiate true and pseudo-seizures?

Answer 11

Prolactin- raised after true seizure but not pseudo