Predictors of early seizure remission after diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are very common, but limited outcome data are available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictors of seizure remission after the diagnosis of PNES is made with video/EEG monitoring in an epilepsy referral center. The subjects for this analysis were 48 consecutive patients who returned for follow-up after diagnosis of PNES. We evaluated demographic, psychosocial, educational, and clinical features as predictors of outcome, using logistic regression analysis outcome. At follow-up, only 35% of patients had achieved seizure remission, and only 50% of these were employed. Educational status and being accompanied to the first clinic visit were favorable predictors of outcome. Type of spell was also a predictor: motionless spells had a more favorable outcome. Other variables were not predictors of outcome. These data may help with counseling and resource allocation for patients with PNES.