Evaluation of the Patient With Paroxysmal Spells Mimicking Epileptic Seizures.

Background: The diagnostic issue of paroxysmal spells, including epileptic seizure (ES) mimics, is one that neurologists frequently encounter. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the most common causes of ES mimics encountered in the outpatient setting.

Review Summary: Paroxysmal spells are characterized by changes in awareness, attention, perception, or abnormal movements.

Spectrum of Nonepileptic Paroxysmal Events in Children from Southern India.

Nonepileptic paroxysmal events (NEPEs) present with episodes similar to epileptic seizures but without abnormal electrical discharge on electroencephalogram (EEG). NEPEs are commonly misdiagnosed as epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed on the basis of a detailed history and examination.

Diagnosis of Epilepsy and Related Episodic Disorders.

Purpose Of Review: This review identifies the diverse and variable clinical presentations associated with epilepsy that may create challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Recent Findings: Epilepsy has recently been redefined as a disease characterized by one or more seizures with a relatively high recurrence risk (ie, 60% or greater likelihood). The implication of this definition for therapy is that antiepileptic drug therapy may be initiated following a first seizure in certain situations.

[Differential diagnosis of cerebral seizures].

Several non-epileptic disorders may cause episodic and paroxysmal symptoms that resemble epilepsy and they must be considered in the differential diagnosis. Some of these disorders are discussed in the present review: vasovagal, vasomotor and cardiac syncopes, breath holding spells. Among the sleep disorders, parasomnias, nightmares and the benign neonatal sleep myoclonus are mentioned.