Complex partial and pseudoseizure disorders

The differentiation of ictal and nonictal seizure disorders is difficult, particularly in patients suffering from partial seizures with complex symptomatology. The authors state that observation of a patient's habitual seizure during EEG recording is the ideal diagnostic tool and describe their method of seizure activation with sphenoidal electrodes and simultaneous audiovisual monitoring. They emphasize the necessity for early, aggressive treatment of both ictal and nonictal seizure disorders, point out risks to the patient if the incorrect diagnosis is made, and urge further cooperation between psychiatrists and neurologists in this borderland area.