The coexistence of epileptic and hysterical seizures in the same patient
is not rare and creates problems in diagnosis and management. The authors
used simultaneous video-EEG monitoring to document the diagnosis of
hysterical seizures in 9 epileptic patients; clear-cut hysterical seizures
were seen in all 9. The authors used individualized re-educative
psychotherapy to teach patients alternative coping techniques and
discharged them on minimum dosages of anticonvulsants. None of the patients
had a classical hysterical personality, which suggests that conversion
reaction is a more appropriate diagnosis, The etiology of "hysterical"
seizures varies; the authors emphasize individualized treatment and
long-term follow-up.
Abstract Teaser