Beyond the spike: Functional (dissociative) seizures as a key to holistic attitudes in seizure disorders.

Abstract

Epileptologists can improve outcomes through follow-up and coordination of care for patients with functional seizures. Epileptic and functional seizures share some mechanistic overlap involving interoceptive, emotional, and stress dysregulation, and disorders of agency and perception. Similar psychiatric and neurological comorbidities occur at comparable rates in both functional and epileptic seizure populations. A holistic, biopsychosocial approach benefits all seizure patients and reflects modern models of epilepsy care.