The frequency of non-epileptic spells in children: Results of video–EEG monitoring in a tertiary care center

Summary 

Rationale

The diagnosis of non-epileptic spells (NES) in children can be challenging, even for experienced clinicians. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of such events.

Methods

This was a retrospective study conducted from January 2004 to December 2006. Inclusion criteria were age >1 month and <18 years and the diagnosis of NES established by video–EEG monitoring.

Results

Among 746 monitored children (1203 recorded video–EEG sessions), 109 (14.6%) had NES. The mean age of patients with NES was 6.6 years (range 0.1–18). Seventy patients were diagnosed with NES alone; the remaining 39 with both NES and epilepsy. Developmental delay was more frequent among patients with a co-morbid diagnosis of epilepsy (p<0.001). Similar clinical events were reported in both of these groups, save for crying spells/irritability which was more common in children with epilepsy. Frequent manifestations of NES included staring spells in preschool children, crying/irritability, tremor and eye deviation in young children and preschoolers, and limb shaking in adolescents. All of the patients with epilepsy and 19 (27%) of those without epilepsy were receiving antiepileptic drugs.

Conclusion

Our data highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis of NES toward the appropriate treatment of affected children.

Keywords: Epilepsy, Childhood, Non-epileptic spells