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Abstract: Patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) often report symptoms of dissociation. However, it is unclear how these symptoms relate to psychotherapeutic treatment, for example, with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Here, we investigated the degree of overlap between symptoms of dissociation and other psychiatric features that are more traditional targets for CBT. We used a hierarchical linear regression to measure the variance associated with dissociative symptoms (as assessed by the Dissociative Experiences Scale — DES) among 46 individuals with PNESs. The regression predictor variables are indices of participants' self-rated mood, self-efficacy, quality of life, locus of control, and life outlook (e.g., optimism). Results revealed that 70.2% of the variance associated with DES score was explained by psychological distress and locus of control. The other factors examined did not make a significant contribution to the regression model. These results suggest that traditional CBT targets – mood symptoms, mood distress, and dysfunctional beliefs about locus of control – overlap substantially with self-reported dissociative symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• First descriptive one-year follow-up of PNES patients at epilepsy center in Prague. • Patients evidenced childhood and pre-seizure adversities compared to controls. • Parents who suffered from chronic disabilities were identified as particular stressor. • Patients presented with elevated rates of unemployment and were without partner. To delineate sociodemographic data of a large sample of Czech Republic patients diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) at the time of diagnosis and at a follow-up visit one year after discharge. This study collected reports of past stressors, quality of relationships in childhood, family background, traumatic events, and recent adversities in patients diagnosed with PNES. Patients (219w/79m, 37.56 (13.15) years, 12.13 (2.05) years of education) were assessed through a semi-structured interview on clinical and historical data while they were inpatients at the Epilepsy Center, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague. Subsequently, they were re-evaluated one year after discharge from the hospital with the same method. A comparison of this sample to normal controls was subsequently conducted. We found a higher female (73.5%) predominance; mean duration of seizures was 69.14 months. The majority of patients were single (46.13%) or divorced (16.84%), and 48% received disability benefits. A diversity of developmental risk factors as well as immediate precursors of PNES onset were identified. One year after hospitalization, significant changes were found in all seizure and healthcare characteristics of our sample. When compared to healthy volunteers, the patients also presented with a higher prevalence of stressors and traumatic events in childhood. Cross-cultural research contributes important information on the universal components of PNES as well as the unique features observed in distinct localities of differing cultures and ethnicities. This study allows for comparison of sociodemographic features in a Central European sample to the more frequently studied English-speaking samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This prospective daily sleep study observed objective impairments in sleep in those with NEAD. • Sleep in the NEAD group was characterized by disrupted and inefficient sleep. • Where poor sleep is reported, clinicians should assess for factors impacting sleep. Poor sleep is reported by many with nonepileptic attack disorder (NEAD) with correlations evident between self-reported sleep quality and mood and functional impairment. However, it is contended that self-reported sleep impairment in NEAD is a subjective phenomenon, which represents a general tendency to over-report symptoms or misinterpret bodily states in those with NEAD. The present study was therefore designed to investigate the extent of subjective and objective sleep impairments in those with NEAD. Over six nights we prospectively recorded comparable nightly objective (actigraphy) and subjective (consensus sleep diary) sleep parameters in a sample of 17 people with NEAD, and an age- and gender-matched normative control group (N = 20). Participants recorded daily measures of attacks, dissociation, and mood. Alongside higher subjective sleep impairment, the NEAD group had significantly worse objective sleep on several metrics compared to the normative controls, characterized by disrupted sleep (frequent awakenings and wake after sleep onset, low efficiency). Exploratory analyses using mixed effects models showed that attacks were more likely to occur on days preceded by longer, more restful sleep. This study, which had good ecological validity, evidences the presence of objective sleep impairment in NEAD, suggesting that in patient reports of problems with sleep should be given careful consideration in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Terms to describe functional seizures were ranked by 39 patients with functional seizures. • Thirteen patients completed semi-structured interviews on their experience of being diagnosed. • NEAD, Functional seizures, FNEA and Dissociative seizures were the most preferred terms. • NEAD was the least offensive term, with Functional seizures and FNEA following closely. • Thematic analysis indicated that a term needs to facilitate shared acceptance and understanding. • Several terms provided this, and there was not a shared agreement among patients. • Following our previous study, we propose that the term Functional Seizures or FNEA is adopted. This study explored the preferred terms for functional seizures, and the experience of being diagnosed, from the patient's perspective. 39 patients in a neuropsychiatry service diagnosed with functional seizures completed an online survey to investigate preferences for, and offensiveness of, 11 common diagnostic terms used to describe functional seizures. Of these 39 patients, 13 consented to take part in a semistructured interview exploring the experience of receiving a diagnosis. Nonepileptic attack disorder (NEAD), functional seizures, functional nonepileptic attacks (FNEA), and dissociative seizures were ranked the highest preferred terms and did not significantly differ from one another. NEAD was the least offensive term, with functional seizures and FNEA following closely. Significant overlap in confidence intervals was found between the offensiveness of all terms. Terms that indicated a psychological origin were the least preferred and viewed as most offensive. Thematic analysis identified three main themes on the experience of being diagnosed: 'being heard and having a shared understanding', 'feeling alone', and 'sense of hope'. Patients favored diagnostic terms that facilitated and alleviated these themes on a personal basis; however, preferences differed across individuals. Our findings suggest that a range of terms have a similar level of preference and offense rating, with NEAD, functional seizures, and FNEA being the most favorable. Qualitative analysis indicates that a term and its accompanying explanation should facilitate shared acceptance and understanding, and several terms provide this. In combination with our previous study on healthy participants, we propose that one of the two terms researched are adopted by patients, health professionals, and the public: Functional nonepileptic attacks or Functional seizures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is a study of 175 Czech Republic patients with PNES using the MMPI-2. • The MMPI-2 can provide an understanding of the underlying psychological constructs of PNES. • Patients with PNES present with elevations in Hs, D, Hy, Pt, and Sc. • MMPI-2 may improve diagnostic utility in patients hospitalized at Epilepsy Centers. The purpose of the present study is to examine the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2) scores of individuals diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in a tertiary epilepsy center in the Czech Republic. Patients (F:M 130:45; mean age 36.8 years; 12.7 years of education, frequency of seizures 0.37 per day, illness duration 5.75 years) were assessed while inpatients at the Epilepsy Center, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague. Patients underwent video-EEG testing and comprehensive neuropsychological testing and personality assessment which included the MMPI-2. Elevated (+1.5SD) F and Back F (Fb) validity scales were observed along with elevated clinical scales Hypochondriasis (Hs), Depression (D), Hysteria (Hy), Psychasthenia (Pt), and Schizophrenia (Sc). Scores higher than 1 SD were found in Psychopathic Deviate (Pd), Paranoia (Pa), Hypomania (Ma) and Social Introversion (Si) scales and on validity scales True Response Inconsistency Scale (TRIN) and Variable Response Inconsistency Scale (VRIN). Patients diagnosed with PNES exhibit numerous elevations on the MMPI-2. Understanding the underlying psychological constructs of the patient with PNES more accurately improves predictive utility (for the presence of PNES) and allows the clinician to offer interventions that are more customized. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory results may be useful to exclude other possible diagnoses and to further determine the individual's characteristics that may be helpful when tailoring treatment, including psychotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested for over 100 years that patterns of neurological symptoms and signs in functional neurological disorders may be shaped at a neural level by underlying ideas or preconceptions how neurological symptoms present. This study used experimental simulation to probe ideas about seizures in healthy volunteers, with a view to compare with features commonly observed in functional and epileptic seizure disorders. Sixty healthy volunteers were instructed to simulate an epileptic seizure. The episodes were video-recorded and assessed by three qualified markers for the presence of clinical features commonly observed in functional seizures (FS), epileptic seizures, and syncope. Simulated seizures were hyperkinetic (83%), hypokinetic (7%), or staring (10%). Fifty-two percent had their eyes open and 45% eyes closed. Tremor was observed in 70%, while clonic jerking was only present in 17%. The majority of volunteers maintained a normal or floppy body posture. Head shaking side-to-side was observed in 38%, while guttural cries, stertorous breathing, tearfulness, and hyperventilation were absent in all volunteers. Our results suggest that simulated seizures not only resemble FS more closely than epileptic seizures but also show some important differences. Subjective seizure experiences in people with FS, not captured by this experimental simulation, remain a core determinant of semiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a great amount of research regarding the particular ictal manifestations of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) with a focus on the differences to epileptic seizures (Vogrig et al., 2019 [4]; Tyson et al., 2018 [5]; De Paola et al., 2016 [6]). Most of the research aims to define guidelines for diagnosing PNES in differentiation from epilepsy, because this differentiation is clinically relevant for clinical neurological settings. In contrast, very few studies aimed to gain insight about particular ictal manifestations of the different semiological appearances of PNES regarding distinctive psychological processes or prognostic outcomes (Brown, 2016 [7]; Pick et al., 2017 [8]; Brown, 2006 [9]; Cohen, 2013). One study revealed that a higher level of mental dissociation and cognitive impairment was associated with a higher level of traumatization in patients with PNES (Pick et al., 2017 [8]). We analyzed the seizure semiology with a focus on the level of awareness in 60 patients with PNES. Patients were divided into two groups: one with an impaired awareness during their seizures and the other one with preserved awareness during their seizures. We assessed the amount of adverse traumatic experience in childhood with the "Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)". We found that patients with PNES with impaired awareness showed more childhood traumatic experiences in the CTQ, especially on the subscales of sexual and emotional abuse as well as physical neglect. Furthermore, patients with PNES with impaired awareness during seizures were significantly younger, more often female, showed a lower degree on education, and a higher amount of self-harm behavior compared with patients with PNES with preserved awareness during seizures. Our study presents clinical evidence for the potential significance of the level of awareness during PNES for the etiology of PNES. Our results point toward the existence of clinical subgroups of patients with PNES with distinctive etiological mechanisms and indicate that seizure semiology might help to differentiate those potential subgroups. • There is few research regarding seizure semiology in relation to etiology in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). • Periictal impaired awareness was associated with childhood traumatic experience in our study. • Seizure semiology might be a future valid tool to help differentiate subgroups of patients with PNES. • Defining subgroups in the heterogenous patients with PNES group can help to improve and specify treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nested within a large, multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) for people with dissociative seizures (DS), the study used purposive sampling to explore participants' experience of participating in an RCT, their experience of DS-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and another component of the RCT, Standardized Medical Care (SMC) and their perceptions of and reflections on seizure management and change. A qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted with 30 participants in an RCT (the COgnitive behavioral therapy vs standardized medical care for adults with Dissociative non-Epileptic Seizures (CODES) Trial) investigating the effectiveness of two treatments for DS. Key themes and subthemes were identified using thematic framework analysis (TFA). Analysis yielded three overarching themes: taking part in a treatment trial — "the only thing out there", the experience of treatment techniques that were perceived to help with seizure management, and reflections on an "unpredictable recovery". People with DS are amenable to participating in a psychotherapy RCT and described a largely positive experience. They also described the applicability of aspects of DS-specific CBT and SMC in the management of their DS, received within the confines of the CODES trial. Factors that appeared to account for the variability in response to treatment delivery included individual preferences for the nature of sessions, the nature of therapeutic relationships, readiness to discuss trauma, other aspects of emotional avoidance, and whether therapy provided something new. • Participants generally perceived participating in an RCT as a positive experience. • Participants perceived that the CODES RCT offered them the possibility of change. • Breathing and distraction techniques were perceived to help with seizure management. • Participants identified the importance of a good therapeutic alliance. • Seizure control or acceptance of ongoing seizures was perceived as progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is considerable debate in the literature regarding what to call functional seizures, with terms such as pseudoseizures, nonepileptic attack disorder (NEAD), and dissociative seizures being used. Provision of an accurate diagnosis and coherent explanation is a vital first step in the management of functional seizures and can result in cessation or reduced frequency for some individuals. This study investigated preferences for and offensiveness of terms used to describe functional seizures, and expectations for recovery with psychological treatment. A sample of 87 healthy adults completed an online survey, in which eight different diagnostic terms were ranked in order of preference (1 — most preferred, 8 — least preferred): functional nonepileptic attacks (FNEA), dissociative seizures, functional seizures, psychogenic seizures, NEAD, pseudoseizures, conversion disorder, and hysteria. Replicating Stone and colleagues protocol, each term was investigated for five connotations. Offense scores were calculated from the number of participants who selected 'yes' to at least one of the negative connotations ('Putting it on', 'Mad', and 'Imagining Symptoms'). Expectations about the possibility of recovering through medical or psychological treatment were also recorded. Functional nonepileptic attack was ranked the highest preferred term with dissociative seizures and functional seizures closely following. Nonepileptic attack disorder was the least offensive term, with FNEA and functional seizures joint second. Unsurprisingly, the three least preferred terms were also the most offensive: pseudoseizures, conversion disorder, and hysteria. Expectations of nonrecovery from psychological treatment were lowest for terms implicating a psychological cause: pseudoseizures, dissociative seizures, psychogenic seizures, and hysteria. The results suggest that either the terms FNEA or functional seizures should be adopted by healthcare professionals and patients, as they are the most preferred, least offensive, and expectations for nonrecovery with psychological treatment were moderate compared with the other terms. Limitations and areas for future research are discussed. • An investigation into preferences for and offensiveness of terms used to describe functional seizures. • Functional non-epileptic attacks (FNEA) was ranked the highest preferred term. • Non-epileptic attack disorder was the least offensive term, with FNEA and functional seizures joint second. • Expectations of not recovering from psychological treatment were lowest for terms implicating a psychological cause. • FNEA and functional seizures are the recommended terms of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the experiences of therapists delivering psychotherapy for patients with dissociative seizures (DS), a complex disorder associated with a range of comorbid psychosocial and mental health difficulties. This study set out to explore therapists' experiences of delivering DS-specific, manualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to adults with DS within the context of a randomized control trial. Interviews were conducted with 12 therapists involved in the COgnitive behavioral therapy vs standardized medical care for adults with Dissociative non-Epileptic Seizures (CODES) trial and were analyzed using thematic framework analysis (TFA). Six main themes emerged, namely 1) aspects of the intervention that were favored, while others were not always considered applicable; 2) multiple and complex difficulties faced by patients; 3) working effectively within the protocol; 4) limitations of the protocol; 5) significance of formulation; and 6) quality of standardized medical care (SMC) and difficulties of diagnosis delivery. These addressed valued aspects of the intervention, complexities of the patient group, and experiences working within a structured treatment protocol. Family involvement and psychoeducation were highlighted as important components; the applicability of graded exposure techniques, however, was restricted by patients' apparent emotional avoidance. The structure provided by the treatment protocol was valued, but flexibility was important to individualize treatment in complex cases. A comprehensive formulation was fundamental to this. The initial diagnostic explanation provided by neurologists and psychiatrists was generally considered beneficial, with patients often perceived to enter therapy with a better understanding of their condition. This study demonstrated that the DS-specific CBT intervention met with general approval from therapists who also highlighted some practical challenges. Because of the nature of the condition, the need for experience of working with complex patients should be considered when applying the intervention to individual cases. Setting the CBT intervention in the context of a structured care pathway involving neurology and psychiatry may facilitate the therapeutic process. • Therapists can use DS-specific CBT with patients with DS, despite challenges. • Clinical experience and understanding patients' complexity are important. • Clinical formulation is an important aspect of this DS-specific CBT. • Flexibility in ordering treatment components of this manualized therapy is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional or psychogenic seizures have proved a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for centuries. Functional seizures can look and feel similar to epileptic seizures but are instead a common and highly disabling form of functional neurologic disorder, or conversion disorder. Consistent with the biopsychosocial model of mental illness, functional seizures are caused by biological, psychological, and social factors unrelated to epileptic discharges. People with functional seizures do not consciously fake their symptoms. Functional seizures can be differentiated from epileptic seizures through the clinical history, features of the seizures themselves, and electroencephalography findings. Psychotherapy is effective in treating functional seizures., Competing Interests: Disclosure No disclosures., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) represent one of the most sizable treatment challenges in neuropsychiatry. Although the underlying mechanism is far from being understood, several interventions have been suggested. However, patients with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and epilepsy are excluded from most intervention studies., Objective: To To present a within-group posttreatment vs pretreatment study representing the retrospective clinical results of an integrative psychotherapy model., Methods: We present the clinical results of 22 patients with PNES diagnosed in an epilepsy center and treated in our neuropsychiatry clinic using an integrative rehabilitative psychotherapy. Therapy included presenting the diagnosis, psychoeducation, seizure reduction behavioral techniques, and coping with past and present stressors. Insomuch as integrative biopsychosocial psychotherapy is based on an individualized treatment protocol for each patient, treatment was individualized and case specific., Results: By the end of treatment, 36% of patients had become seizure free and a further 54% achieved a major seizure reduction (reduction of more than 70%). Seventy-two percent of patients kept at least 70% seizure reduction at follow-up. Global Assessment of Functioning scores improved from a mean of 43.09 to a mean of 72.81 at the end of treatment and 69.72 at follow-up. In addition, we present 3 case descriptions that emphasize the individualized nature of psychotherapeutic decisions., Conclusions: Our results support the feasibility and effectiveness of biopsychosocial based integrative psychotherapy for PNES and set principles for future treatment and prospective clinical trials in the field of individualized psychotherapy., (Copyright © 2020 Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric condition characterized by sensorimotor difficulties. Patients with FND at times report that sensory experiences trigger and/or exacerbate their symptoms. Sensory processing difficulties are also commonly reported in other psychiatric disorders frequently comorbid in FND, suggesting that contextualizing sensory profiles in FND within a biopsychosocial model may be clinically relevant., Objective: To address this literature gap, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine sensory processing patterns and their relationship to other neuropsychiatric characteristics in patients with FND., Methods: A retrospective chart review design was used to investigate sensory processing patterns, established with the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile self-report questionnaire, in 44 patients with FND. Univariate analyses of cross-sectional screening tests followed by multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify clinical factors associated with sensory processing scores in the FND cohort., Results: Compared to normative data, most patients with FND reported sensory processing tendencies toward low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoiding. In multivariate regression analyses, the presence of a lifetime anxiety disorder independently predicted elevated low registration scores, while female gender and number of current medications independently predicted increased sensory sensitivity scores. In uncorrected univariate analyses only, individuals with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures were more likely to report increased sensory sensitivity and elevated low registration., Conclusion: These preliminary findings support sensory processing difficulties in some patients with FND. Prospective and large sample size studies are needed to investigate relationships between sensory processing profiles and neuropsychiatric comorbidities, FND subtypes, and treatment outcomes., (Copyright © 2020 Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), also known as dissociative seizures, are paroxysms of altered subjective experience, involuntary movements and reduced self-control that can resemble epileptic seizures, but have distinct clinical characteristics and a complex neuropsychiatric aetiology. They are common, accounting for over 10% of seizure emergencies and around 30% of cases in tertiary epilepsy units, but the diagnosis is often missed or delayed. The recently proposed "integrative cognitive model" accommodates current research on experiential, psychological and biological risk factors for the development of PNES, but in view of the considerable heterogeneity of presentations and medical context, it is not certain that a universal model can capture the full range of PNES manifestations. This narrative review addresses key learning objectives of the ILAE curriculum by describing the demographic profile, common risk factors (such as trauma or acute stress) and comorbid disorders (such as other dissociative and functional disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, comorbid epilepsy, head injury, cognitive and sleep problems, migraine, pain, and asthma). The clinical implications of demographic and aetiological factors for diagnosis and treatment planning are addressed.

Dissociative (non-epileptic) seizures are one of the three major causes of transient loss of consciousness. As such, their treatment cannot be left to superspecialised experts. In this article I draw on personal experience to suggest ways to tackle some challenges that commonly arise after diagnosing dissociative seizures, focusing on three issues: "I want to know what is wrong with me," "I hear what you are saying but it doesn't apply to me" and "What if I have a seizure?" The suggestions detail both actions and words that may help at a crucial point in the patient's journey. If handled well, the process can leave the patient better equipped to understand their seizures and to engage in further treatment; if handled badly, patients may be left more traumatised, angry and with additional disability., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Dissociative seizures are common in routine neurological practice and cause considerable morbidity. However, explaining such episodes to patients is rarely straightforward. Taking a neuropsychological perspective, we present a strategy for communicating this diagnosis to both patients and families., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: There is currently limited research exploring healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experiences of working with patients with dissociative seizures (DS). Existing studies do not focus on the role of psychiatrists in treating this complex condition. The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of UK-based psychiatrists' experiences of the DS patient group. Against the backdrop of a UK-wide randomised controlled trial (RCT), the focus was broadened to encompass issues arising in everyday practice with the DS patient group., Design, Participants and Methods: A qualitative study using semistructured interviews was undertaken with 10 psychiatrists currently working with DS patients within the context of a large RCT investigating treatments for DS. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and subthemes., Setting: The psychiatrists were working in Liaison or Neuropsychiatry services in England., Results: The key themes identified were other HCPs' attitudes to DS and the challenges of the DS patient group. There is a clear knowledge gap regarding DS for many HCPs and other clinical services can be reluctant to take referrals for this patient group. Important challenges posed by this patient group included avoidance (of difficult emotions and help), alexithymia and interpersonal difficulties. Difficulties with alexithymia meant DS patients could struggle to identify triggers for their seizures and to express their emotions. Interpersonal difficulties raised included difficulties in attachment with both HCPs and family members., Conclusions: A knowledge gap for HCPs regarding DS has been identified and needs to be addressed to improve patient care. Given the complexity of the patient group and that clinicians from multiple disciplines will come into contact with DS patients, it is essential for any educational strategy to be implemented across the whole range of specialties, and to account for those already in practice as well as future trainees., Trial Registration Number: ISRCTN05681227; NCT02325544; Pre-results., Competing Interests: Competing interests: LHG and JM report the grant from the NIHR HTA for the conduct of the study. None of the other authors have competing interests to declare., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)

Background: There are no blood-based molecular biomarkers of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to support clinical diagnosis. MicroRNAs are short noncoding RNAs with strong biomarker potential due to their cell-specific expression, mechanistic links to brain excitability, and stable detection in biofluids. Altered levels of circulating microRNAs have been reported in human epilepsy, but most studies collected samples from one clinical site, used a single profiling platform or conducted minimal validation., Method: Using a case-control design, we collected plasma samples from video-electroencephalogram-monitored adult TLE patients at epilepsy specialist centers in two countries, performed genome-wide PCR-based and RNA sequencing during the discovery phase and validated findings in a large (>250) cohort of samples that included patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)., Findings: After profiling and validation, we identified miR-27a-3p, miR-328-3p and miR-654-3p with biomarker potential. Plasma levels of these microRNAs were also changed in a mouse model of TLE but were not different to healthy controls in PNES patients. We determined copy number of the three microRNAs in plasma and demonstrate their rapid detection using an electrochemical RNA microfluidic disk as a prototype point-of-care device. Analysis of the microRNAs within the exosome-enriched fraction provided high diagnostic accuracy while Argonaute-bound miR-328-3p selectively increased in patient samples after seizures. In situ hybridization localized miR-27a-3p and miR-328-3p within neurons in human brain and bioinformatics predicted targets linked to growth factor signaling and apoptosis., Interpretation: This study demonstrates the biomarker potential of circulating microRNAs for epilepsy diagnosis and mechanistic links to underlying pathomechanisms., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Functional neurological disorders (FND) are common and associated with significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Patients with FND often present acutely, particularly with dissociative seizures (resembling epilepsy) or persistent weakness resembling a stroke. History and careful observation and examination are critical to diagnosis, as investigations will often be normal or non-contributory. The nature of convulsive movements in dissociative seizures often differs from that in epilepsy, and long duration of individual events, waxing and waning, closed eyes and high reported frequency in an apparently well individual are all suggestive. In those with stroke-like episodes, demonstration of normal power even briefly (eg Hoover's sign, 'give way' weakness) together with distractability are positive physical features indicating a functional disorder. A positive diagnosis and clear non-judgemental explanation, backed up by reliable information sources associated with prompt onward referral to a neurologist can greatly reduce distress and ultimately improve outcomes., (© Royal College of Physicians 2018. All rights reserved.)

A recent systematic synthesis of qualitative research demonstrated that patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) often experience unsatisfactory encounters with health care practitioners (HCPs). It is important to understand such interactions from the perspective of those responsible for delivering care. This systematic review aimed to examine the attitudes and perceptions of HCPs toward PNES. A systematic search of 3 databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and CINAHL) was conducted in November 2017. Studies from around the world published after 1997 using qualitative or quantitative methodologies were reviewed. An interpretative stance was taken to analyze the data utilizing a grounded theory approach. The quality of studies included was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Overall, 30 separate studies capturing the views of at least 3900 professionals were included. Five concepts emerged from the analysis: (1) HCPs' responses demonstrated uncertainty about many aspects of PNES, including diagnosis and treatment; (2) HCPs understood PNES in dualistic terms, perceiving the condition as largely associated with psychological factors; (3) Patients with PNES were considered challenging and frustrating; (4) HCPs held mixed or contested views about who is responsible for treating patients with PNES; and (5) PNES was viewed as less severe or disabling than epilepsy and associated with a greater degree of volition. Although some HCPs have an excellent understanding of PNES, the views of many give rise to concern. The number of qualitative studies that directly ask HCPs about their perceptions of PNES is limited. Moreover, some professional groups (ie, mental health specialists) are underrepresented in current research. This study reveals a demand for additional training. However, effort is needed also to change the attitudes of some practitioners toward PNES., (Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2018 International League Against Epilepsy.)

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are defined as change in behavior or consciousness resembling epileptic seizures but which have a psychological origin. PNES are categorized as a manifestation of dissociative or somatoform (conversion) disorders. Video-EEG recording of an event is the gold standard for diagnosis. PNES represent a symptom, not the underlying disease and the mechanism of dissociation is pivotal in the pathophysiology. Predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors should be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis. The process of communicating the diagnosis using a multidisciplinary approach is an important and effective therapeutic step., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)