student research day - Case Western Reserve University School of ...

Shipra Gupta
Development and Validation of an Instrument for Predicting a Diagnosis of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Events Versus
Epilepsy in Patients Experiencing Seizures
Shipra Gupta, Dr. Catherine Griffin, MD and Dr. Tanvir Syed MD, MPH
Department of Neurology
University Hospitals, Case Medical Center
The purpose of this study is to help physicians, more specifically, neurologists, to distinguish between
epileptic seizures and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. It is well known that the two types of seizures are often
confused and may lead to adverse effects and increased morbidity and mortality. The question addressed was
whether or not certain indices included in the survey would help to determine whether or not a patient was
classified as an epileptic patient or a psychogenic nonepileptic patient. In order to pursue this question, a survey
was administered to adult patients admitted to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at University Hospitals Case Medical
Center. Consent was obtained and the study was thoroughly explained to the patient and participation was
completely optional. The patient was given one to two days in order to complete the survey and ask any questions
if necessary. The entire survey had to be completed in order to be included in the database. The study is still
ongoing and therefore conclusive results cannot be made yet. Increasing the number of patients included in the
study will lead to more valid and accurate results. Therefore, the survey will continue to be administered in order to
obtain the best possible result in the future.
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