Which of the following does not tend to be true of pseudoseizures?
Exam Question Nov 2008
They are often precipitated by emotional events5%Tongue biting is rare7%Postictal features are common70%Onset tends to be more gradual than true seizures12%They can be prolonged by restraint6%
Exam Question Nov 2008
Pseudoseizures
The term pseudoseizure refers to a seizure that does not involve an epileptic neuronal discharge (aka non-epileptic seizure).
The following features are helpful when trying to distinguish between true seizures and pseudoseizures:-
- Emotional precipitant - pseudoseizures are often precipitated by emotional problems whereas true seizures tend to occur spontaneously.
- Bizarre events - pseudoseizures often involve bizarre events such as screaming and talking which are not typical of true seizures.
- Varied pattern - pseudoseizures tend to vary in form and do not follow a stereotyped attack pattern.
- Tonic and clonic movements - pseudoseizures tend to lack true tonic and clonic movements
- Tongue biting, incontinence, and injury are rarely seen in pseudoseizures.
- Postictal features are uncommon in pseudoseizures.
- Suggestibility - pseudoseizure can sometimes be terminated (or prolonged) by external influence such as talking to the patient or restraint
- Gradual onset - pseudoseizures tend to have a more gradual onset
Seminars in General Adult Psychiatry. RCPsych Publications, 2007, p532
