Misdiagnosis of prolonged psychogenic non-epileptic seizures as status epilepticus: epidemiology and associated risks

Abstract

Misdiagnosis and treatment of pPNES as status epilepticus are a common and widespread problem with deleterious consequences. Mitigating it will require training of emergency staff in semiological diagnosis. Status epilepticus response protocols should incorporate appropriate diagnostic re-evaluations at each step of treatment escalation, especially in clinical trials.