Diagnostic outcomes of inpatient video electroencephalography: nonepileptic events in South Carolina.

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) was established at the Medical University Hospital to assist in the diagnosis of epilepsy and the evaluation of other paroxysmal neurological symptoms, including non-epileptic events (NEEs), which are often confused with epileptic seizures. Correct diagnosis can prevent inappropriate treatment with antiepileptic drugs, avoid some of the restrictions imposed by epileptic seizures, and facilitate appropriate treatment for NEEs. A retrospective review of patients admitted to the EMU over a two year period showed the percentage of patients diagnosed with NEEs (39%) is greater than those diagnosed with epilepsy alone (36%). This incidence of NEE is higher than in other academic medical centers. The explanations for this disparity are not fully defined, but warrant further study as to patient demographics, risk factors, and referral patterns in South Carolina. The average time from when patients began having events to accurate diagnosis of NEEs was 4.5 years, and 21 patients had NEEs for at least 10 years prior to diagnosis.