The differentiation of ictal and nonictal seizure disorders is
difficult, particularly in patients suffering from partial seizures with
complex symptomatology. The authors state that observation of a patient's
habitual seizure during EEG recording is the ideal diagnostic tool and
describe their method of seizure activation with sphenoidal electrodes and
simultaneous audiovisual monitoring. They emphasize the necessity for
early, aggressive treatment of both ictal and nonictal seizure disorders,
point out risks to the patient if the incorrect diagnosis is made, and urge
further cooperation between psychiatrists and neurologists in this
borderland area.
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