Usefulness of short-term video EEG recording with saline induction in pseudoseizures

OBJECTIVES: To study the usefulness of short-term recording of video electroencephalography (VEEG) as an outpatient procedure with placebo induction (PLIN) and intravenous saline in cases of pseudoseizures (Psz). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty cases of suspected Psz were enrolled. They were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 consisted of patients with frank Psz, Group 2 those where diagnosis was uncertain. VEEG recording was done and 10 ml of saline used for placebo-induction. RESULTS: Of 50 patients, 24 (48%) were in Group 1 and 26 (52%) in Group 2. Fifteen (30%) had a spontaneous event during VEEG and 33% had an event only on PLIN. The diagnosis was confirmed in 60 %. In 24% of patients anti-epileptic drugs were discontinued. CONCLUSION: Short-term monitoring with VEEG using PLIN is a useful initial screening procedure and in patients where it is inconclusive, long term recordings may be done.