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Cover of Imitators of Epilepsy

Imitators of Epilepsy, 2nd edition

Edited by Peter W Kaplan, MB, FRCP and Robert S Fisher, MD, PhD.

New York: Demos Medical Publishing; 2005.
ISBN-10: 1-888799-83-8

Excerpt

This volume is based on the diagnosis of epilepsy. A primary difficulty in diagnosing epilepsy is the variability of epileptic seizure types. Although stereotyped in a given patient, even epileptic seizures identified as arising from the same brain area may have different semiologies in different patients. Epileptic seizures may present with such disparate features as formed visual hallucinations or tingling in the left hand. Nonetheless, epileptic phenomena typically fall into recognizable clinical patterns. As many have noted, the "border lands" of epilepsy cover a vast, poorly charted territory. Imitators of Epilepsy will have been successful if it serves to increase the awareness of physicians for factors that distinguish epileptic seizures from their imitators, and to provide guidance to support clinical judgment in approaching patients with possible seizure disorders.

Contents

  • Dedication
  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • Contributors
  • Introduction Approach to the Diagnosis of Possible Seizures
  • Chapter 1. Electroencephalography in the Diagnosis of Nonepileptic and Epileptic Conditions
    Warren T. Blume, MD, FRCP(C)
    • EEG and the Diagnosis of Epilepsy
    • EEG in Some Epilepsy Mimics
    • EEG in Evaluation of Ambiguous Disorders: Various Practical Points
    • References
  • Chapter 2. Anatomical–Clinical Localization of Ictal Behavior
    Barbara Jobst, MD and Peter Williamson, MD.
    • Manifestations and Localization of Ictal Behavior in Focal Partial Seizures
    • Ictal Behavior Originating in the Temporal Lobes
    • Typical Seizures Originating in the Temporal Lobes
    • Ictal Behavior Originating in the Parietal Lobes
    • Ictal Behavior Originating in the Occipital Lobe
    • Seizures Originating in the Deeper Structures of the Brain
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Chapter 3. Curious Epileptic Seizures That Don't Resemble Seizures
    Monisha Goyal, MD, Paul Zarkowski, MD, and Barbara E. Swartz, MD, PhD.
    • Seizures That Don'T Resemble Seizures in Neonates
    • Seizures That Don'T Resemble Seizures in Infants
    • Seizures That Don'T Resemble Seizures in Older Children and Adults (1.0 Motor)
    • Reflex Epilepsies
    • Psychic Seizures
    • Seizures with Psychiatric Symptomatology
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Chapter 4. Convulsive Nonepileptic Seizures
    Don W. King, MD.
    • Convulsive Epileptic Seizures
    • Convulsive Syncope
    • Psychogenic Nonepileptic Events
    • Paroxysmal Dyskinesia
    • Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep
    • REM Behavior Disorder
    • References
  • Chapter 5. The Role of Serum Prolactin in Seizure Diagnosis
    Paul B. Pritchard, III, MD.
    • Effects of Drugs on Serum Prolactin Levels
    • Changes in Serum Prolactin Levels with Pathologic States
    • Changes in Serum Prolactin with Brain Stimulation
    • Changes in Serum Prolactin Associated with Epileptic Seizures
    • Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures
    • Other Paroxysmal Neurological Conditions
    • Use of Serum Prolactin as a Diagnostic Tool in Epilepsy: Practice and Pitfalls
    • References
  • Chapter 6. Nonepileptic Spells in Neonates and Infants
    Linda Laux, MD and Douglas R. Nordli, Jr, MD.
    • Neonates (Birth to One Month of Age)
    • Neonatal Nonepileptic Events
    • Infants (One Month to One Year of Age)
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Chapter 7. Nonepileptic Seizures and Similar Phenomena in Children and Adolescents
    John B.P Stephenson, MA, BM, DM, FRCP, HonFRCPCH and Sameer Zuberi, MB, ChB, MRCPCH, FRCP.
    • Nonepileptic Seizures and Paroxysmal Nonepileptic Events in the Population
    • Classification of Nonepileptic Seizures and Events
    • Diagnostic Categories
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Chapter 8. Paroxysmal Disturbances Resembling Seizures in the Elderly
    A. James Rowan, MD.
    • The Aged Person Found Unconsciousness on the Floor
    • Blackout Spells
    • Drop Attacks
    • Syncope
    • Memory Disturbances
    • Dementia
    • Dizziness
    • Transient Ischemic Attacks
    • Transient Global Amnesia
    • Tremor and Clonus
    • Myoclonic Jerks
    • Toxic-Metabolic Encephalopathies
    • Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus
    • References
  • Chapter 9. Migraine and Epilepsy
    Audrey L. Halpern, MD and Stephen D. Silberstein, MD.
    • The Migraine Attack—A Clinical Description
    • Migraine Variants
    • Headache and Seizure Occur Together
    • Migraine-Triggered Epilepsy
    • Pathophysiology of Migraine
    • The EEG and Migraine
    • Pharmacologic Treatment of Migraine—Basic Principles
    • Neuropharmacology of Migraine Treatment
    • Some Diagnostic Distinctions among Migraine, Epileptic Seizures and Transient Global Amnesia
    • References
  • Chapter 10. Strange Tastes, Smells, Sounds, Visions and Feelings: Nonepileptic Events that Mimic Simple Partial Seizures
    Ross FineSmith, MD, Eric B. Geller, MD, and Orrin Devinsky, MD.
    • Nonepileptic Paroxysmal Disorders
    • Simple Partial Epileptic Seizures and Their Nonepileptic Imitators
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Chapter 11. Dizziness or Vestibular Problems Resembling Seizures
    Martin Gizzi, MD, PhD and Sidney P. Diamond, MD.
    • Anatomy and Physiology of the Vestibular System
    • The Clinical History
    • The Neurotologic Examination—Key Elements
    • Features Suggesting Otologic Causes of Vertigo
    • Testing of Value in Vertigo
    • Vertiginous Seizures
    • Nystagmus in Epilepsy
    • Vestibulogenic Seizures
    • Features Suggesting Seizure as the Cause of Vertigo
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Chapter 12. Movement Disorders That Imitate Epilepsy
    Ann Helms, MD and Lisa Shulman, MD.
    • Post-Stroke Epilepsy
    • Post-Stroke Movement Disorders
    • Chorea, Athetosis, and Ballismus
    • Dystonia
    • Muscle Cramps and Spasms
    • Myoclonus
    • Paroxysmal Dyskinesia
    • Psychogenic Movement Disorders
    • Tardive Dyskinesia
    • Tardive Dystonia
    • Tics
    • Stereotypies
    • Hemifacial Spasm
    • Blepharospasm and Meige's Syndrome
    • References
  • Chapter 13. Hyperekplexia and Other Disorders of Startle: Differential Diagnosis with Epilepsy
    Frederick Andermann, MD, FRCP(C) and Eva Andermann, MD, PhD, FCCMG.
    • Hyperekplexia
    • Startle Epilepsy
    • Jumping and Other Culture-Bound Syndromes
    • References
  • Chapter 14. Encephalopathy as a Mimic of Seizures
    Michael Benatar, MBChB, Dphil and Frank W. Drislane, MD.
    • The Anatomy and Physiology of Arousal
    • Pathophysiology of Encephalopathy
    • The Clinical Features of Encephalopathy
    • Electroencephalographic Features of Encephalopathy
    • Seizures and Related Disorders That Produce an Encephalopathy
    • Similarities and Differences between Encephalopathy and Ncse
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Chapter 15. Neuroendocrine, Metabolic and Toxic Imitators of Epilepsy
    Robin L. Gilmore.
    • Introduction
    • Gastrointestinal Disease and Seizures
    • Toxic or Drug-Related Conditions
    • MDMA
    • Vasculitic Encephalopathies
    • References
  • Chapter 16. Parasomnias, Sleep Disorders, and Narcolepsy—Sleep-Time Imitators of Epilepsy
    Carl W. Bazil, MD, PhD.
    • Normal Sleep Physiology
    • Interactions between Sleep and Epilepsy
    • Specific Sleep Phenomena and Sleep Disorders Confused with Seizures
    • Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Chapter 17. Cerebrovascular Imitators of Epilepsy
    Louis R. Caplan, MD.
    • Clinical Features Used to Separate Seizures, Transient Ischemia, and Migraine
    • Less Common Mimics Attributed to, or Confused with Cerebrovascular Disease
    • References
  • Chapter 18. Hyperventilation Syndrome
    Randolph W. Evans, MD.
    • Epidemiology
    • Historical Aspects
    • Diagnosis
    • Neurologic Manifestations
    • Psychologic Symptoms
    • Case Reports
    • Pathophysiology
    • Differential Diagnosis
    • Treatment
    • Prognosis
    • References
  • Chapter 19. Psychiatric Aspects of Nonepileptic Seizures: Psychogenic NES
    John R. Gates, MD.
    • Terminology
    • Epidemiology
    • Diagnosis and Treatment
    • Video-EEG Monitoring
    • Neuropsychological Testing
    • Treatment of Nonepileptic Seizures
    • Conclusion
    • References
  • Chapter 20. Coexisting Epilepsy and Nonepileptic Seizures
    Allan Krumholz, MD and Tricia Ting, MD.
    • History
    • Definitions
    • Epidemiology
    • Provoking Factors
    • Diagnosis
    • Epileptic Seizures Mimicking Nonepileptic Seizures
    • Treatment
    • Prognosis
    • References
  • Chapter 21. Panic Attacks and Panic Disorders: The Great Imitators
    Meghan M. Grady, BA and Stephen M. Stahl, PhD, MD.
    • Panic Attacks
    • Panic Disorder
    • Agoraphobia
    • Etiologies
    • Differential Diagnosis
    • Treatment
    • Prognosis
    • References

By agreement with the publisher, this book is accessible by the search feature, but cannot be browsed.

Copyright © 2005, Demos Medical Publishing.

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