Video-EEG Semiological Patterns in PNES

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are paroxysmal events that resemble epileptic seizures but are not associated with ictal epileptiform activity on electroencephalography (EEG). Video-EEG monitoring is the gold standard for diagnosis.

In this retrospective observational study, video-EEG recordings and clinical data of 52 adult patients diagnosed with PNES were reviewed. Semiological features observed during recorded events were systematically evaluated and coded as binary variables.

Hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward's method with squared Euclidean distance) was used to identify semiological patterns. The aim was to define clinically meaningful clusters of PNES events and to describe their demographic and clinical correlates.

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 18 years and older Diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) confirmed by video-EEG monitoring Availability of complete video-EEG recordings capturing at least one typical event Availability of sufficient clinical and demographic data in medical records for retrospective evaluation

Exclusion criteria

Patients younger than 18 years Incomplete or poor-quality video-EEG recordings Absence of recorded typical PNES events during video-EEG monitoring Insufficient clinical documentation for retrospective analysis