Neurophysiological investigations for the diagnosis of non-epileptic attack disorder in neuropsychiatry services: from safety standards to improved effectiveness

Andrea E. Cavanna*, Stefano Seri

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The discipline of clinical neuropsychiatry currently provides specialised services for a number of conditions that cross the traditional boundaries of neurology and psychiatry, including non-epileptic attack disorder. Neurophysiological investigations have an important role within neuropsychiatry services, with video-electroencephalography (EEG) telemetry being the gold standard investigation for the differential diagnosis between epileptic seizures and non-epileptic attacks. This article reviews existing evidence on best practices for neurophysiology investigations, with focus on safety measures for video-EEG telemetry.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review using the PubMed database in order to identify the scientific literature on the best practices when using neurophysiological investigations in patients with suspected epileptic seizures or non-epileptic attacks.

RESULTS: Specific measures need to be implemented for video-EEG telemetry to be safely and effectively carried out by neuropsychiatry services. A confirmed diagnosis of non-epileptic attack disorder following video-EEG telemetry carried out within neuropsychiatry units has the inherent advantage of allowing diagnosis communication and implementation of treatment strategies in a timely fashion, potentially improving clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness significantly.

CONCLUSION: The identified recommendations set the stage for the development of standardised guidelines to enable neuropsychiatry services to implement streamlined and evidence-based care pathways.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)185 - 194
Number of pages10
JournalActa Neuropsychiatrica
Volume28
Issue number4
Early online date23 Mar 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2016

Bibliographical note

© Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 2016. The final publication is available via Cambridge Journals Online at https://doi.org/10.1017/neu.2016.10

Keywords

  • epilepsy
  • neuropsychiatry
  • non-epileptic attack disorder
  • safety
  • video-EEG telemetry

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