This abstract has been invited to present during the Better Patient Outcomes through Diversity Platform poster session
Rationale: Previous studies have attempted to link semiology and exposure to traumatic events, age as well as gender, but there have been only few studies to date regarding association between semiology and ethnicity Methods: Out of 100 electronic medical records with an F44.5 diagnosis (“conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions”) at a single institution, 39 patients who underwent diagnostic video electroencephalogram (EEG) evaluation of PNES alone without epilepsy in an epilepsy monitoring unit from January 2012 to 2019 were reviewed. Multiple variables were evaluated including ethnicity, psychiatric comorbidities, type of trauma, age at the time of trauma, frequency of trauma, semiology of PNES, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and EEG findings, number of emergency room visits post diagnosis, and use of antiseizure medications (ASM) six months after diagnosis. Results: A total of 39 PNES patients were studied. 54% were Hispanic and 80% were women. The average age was 42.5 years (sd=15.0 yrs). Eighty percent of the patients had psychiatric comorbidities. Based on semiology, six different types were observed as follows: rhythmic motor (18%); hypermotor (33%); complex motor PNES (5%); dialeptic (7%); Non-epileptic auras (5%); and mixed semiology (32%). The semiology was not associated with ethnicity, type of trauma or age at the time of trauma. The MRI was normal in 34 patients (87%). All of the EEG showed no interictal epileptiform discharges. Seventy-two percent of the patients were on an ASM at the time of the diagnosis and 23% remained on ASM six months later for the treatment of psychiatric comorbidities or migraines. Conclusions: It is possible that the semiology of PNES may be different among patients of different ethnic origins. A study with larger number subjects is necessary to confirm this observation. Funding: Please list any funding that was received in support of this abstract.: No funding
