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

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.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/neu.2016.10
Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Psychology
College of Health & Life Sciences
College of Health & Life Sciences > Clinical and Systems Neuroscience
College of Health & Life Sciences > Aston Institute of Health & Neurodevelopment (AIHN)
Additional Information: © Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 2016. The final publication is available via Cambridge Journals Online at https://doi.org/10.1017/neu.2016.10
Uncontrolled Keywords: epilepsy,neuropsychiatry,non-epileptic attack disorder,safety,video-EEG telemetry,Psychiatry and Mental health,Biological Psychiatry
Publication ISSN: 1601-5215
Last Modified: 08 Jan 2024 08:08
Date Deposited: 19 May 2016 12:55
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
https://www.cam ... 12484F5802FFCFC (Publisher URL)
PURE Output Type: Review article
Published Date: 2016-08-01
Published Online Date: 2016-03-23
Accepted Date: 2016-02-22
Authors: Cavanna, Andrea E.
Seri, Stefano (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-9247-8102)

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