Non-epileptic seizures
Not all seizures are epileptic seizures. Sometimes the patient suffers from so-called psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). These psychogenic non-epileptic seizures may resemble all possible symptoms of epileptic seizure. Kempenhaeghe also examines children and adults with such complex problems.
About 20% of the patients referred to specialised centres for further seizure diagnosesare have psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. A part of the patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures also has epileptic seizures.
Acceptance of the diagnosis PNES by the patient and by his system and identification of the underlying problems are the targets of the multi-disciplinary team. The team is specialised in psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and consists of a neurologist, a psychologist / psychotherapist and a social worker/system therapist.
The team advises in the treatment and/or assistance trajectory to lead the patient to freedom of seizures and/or an improved control of the non-epileptic seizures and an improved social functioning. Research and counselling (psycho-education, behavioural therapy, psychotherapy, system therapy) in general all take place on an outpatient basis. When the occasion arises the team will refer a patient to be treated elsewhere, for instance by an external psychologist or the Mental Healthcare (GGZ).
More information can be obtained from Dr R. Lazeron, neurologist; N. Bodde, clinical psychologist.
