Pseudoseizures: an overview

Pseudoseizures, formerly called hysterical seizures, have become an acknowledged clinical entity in their own right. Diagnosis of pseudoseizures is a complex process, depending primarily on clinical neurologic observation of the spell pattern and negative response to anticonvulsant therapy. Diagnosis is aided by psychiatric evidence of psychopathology, and in difficult cases, by video/EEG observation of actual spells, either spontaneous or induced by saline infusion or hypnosis. Exposure to some model of spell behavior is considered important in the development of most cases of pseudoseizures. Pseudoseizures are difficult to treat successfully, and exploratory attempts at treatment have included hypnosis and behavior therapy. Pseudoseizures may represent either conversion disorder or dissociative disorder.