Abstract :
Background: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are known to be frequently precipitated or aggravated by stressors.
Objective : To analyse the occurrence of PNES during the corona virus pandemic and compare data with the pre-pandemic period and identify possible aggravating factors.
Materials and Methods : In this cross-sectional comparison study, subjects with PNES attending neurology services of a teaching hospital over a 6-month period were compared against baseline in the pre-COVID period. PNES was documented by video-electroencephalography (video-EEG) or home video recording. Demographics, clinical features, frequency of PNES, presence of psychiatric comorbidity, as well as anxiety [by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A)], depressive symptoms (HADS-D) and sleep quality by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were tabulated.
Results: Of the 1350 patients seen during the pandemic (6 months), 26 patients (65% female; age-26.7 years [range=4-68]) were identified to have PNES as compared to 49 of 7125 (71% female; age 28.9 years [range=5-63]) seen in the pre-pandemic period showing 2.83 times increase. HADS-A or HADS-D was abnormal (>11) in 76.9 % while 80.77% had a score >5 on PSQI indicating poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality (p< 0>
Conclusion: The frequency of PNES was 2.83 times high during the pandemic as compared to pre-pandemic period. Concurrent anxiety and depression increase the risk of PNES.
Keyword :
Pseudo seizures, Functional seizures, Psychogenic nonepileptic events, Counselling, ASM