Condition Lookup
Category:
Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Number of Conditions: 3
Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)
Specialty: Neurology
Category: Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Symptoms:
convulsions without abnormal eeg activity; prolonged unresponsiveness; emotional distress before seizures; asynchronous movements; eye closure during seizures
Root Cause:
Psychological stress manifests as seizure-like activity without neurological cause.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Video EEG monitoring to distinguish from epileptic seizures; psychological evaluation.
Treatment:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, stress management, and addressing underlying psychological issues.
Medications:
Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine , escitalopram ) for co-occurring depression or anxiety; anticonvulsants are not effective for PNES.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 2-33 per 100,000 people, accounting for up to 20% of outpatient epilepsy clinic cases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of abuse, trauma, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms may improve with therapy, but recurrence is common; long-term management requires ongoing psychological support.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Misdiagnosis as epilepsy, unnecessary treatments, and social or occupational difficulties.
Anxiety and Depression with Neurological Symptoms
Specialty: Neurology
Category: Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Symptoms:
headaches; dizziness; fatigue; sleep disturbances; muscle tension; paresthesia
Root Cause:
Interaction between mental health conditions and the nervous system; stress-induced physiological changes.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, screening for anxiety and depression, ruling out other neurological disorders.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (CBT or interpersonal therapy), lifestyle modifications, stress management, and pharmacotherapy.
Medications:
SSRIs (e.g., sertraline , paroxetine ), SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine , duloxetine ), and benzodiazepines (short-term use for acute anxiety).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Anxiety affects 15-20% of adults; depression affects approximately 5% of adults worldwide, with high comorbidity rates.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, chronic stress, trauma, and co-existing medical conditions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with treatment, but symptoms may recur without ongoing management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic pain syndromes, and reduced quality of life.
Postconcussive Syndrome
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Symptoms:
headaches; dizziness; memory problems; concentration difficulties; mood swings; fatigue; sleep disturbances
Root Cause:
Persistent neurological and psychological effects following a concussion, involving complex interactions between physical brain injury and psychological factors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on symptom history and exclusion of other conditions; neuropsychological testing if cognitive issues are prominent.
Treatment:
Multidisciplinary approach including cognitive therapy, physical therapy, and symptomatic treatment for headaches, sleep disturbances, and mood symptoms.
Medications:
Analgesics for headaches, antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs) for mood symptoms, and sedative-hypnotics for sleep issues if required.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 10–20% of individuals following a concussion.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of prior concussions, pre-existing mental health conditions, and high levels of stress or anxiety.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases resolve within weeks to months, but a minority may experience prolonged symptoms.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and reduced functional capacity in work or daily activities.