Non Epileptic Seizures Among School Going Children And Adolescents

Abstract

Non epileptic seizures were diagnosed in 20 (F:15, M:5) school children and adolescents by a positive provocative test consisting of induction and termination of the attack with suggestions and saline injection and normal ictal EEG. Patients were followed up for a period of two years. The major provocating factors were (a) family problems, mainly conflict between the parents in 25%, (b) problems in schooling in 20%, (c) combination of both in 30%, (d) sexual and physical abuse in 10% and (e) undetectable in 15%. The frequency of the attacks were > 1/day in 55%, 1 - 6 / week in 25%, 1 - 3 / month in 15% and occasional in 5%. During follow up, 55% were free from attacks, 10% had recurrence occasionally for one year and free from it during the second year, 10% continued to get attacks and 25% were lost to follow up. In those free from attacks, multiple somatic complaints were reported by 30% of patients.