ADVANCING THE CLINICAL UNDERSTANDING AND THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES FOR NON-EPILEPTIC SEIZURES IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
Keywords:
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, PNES, pediatric neurologyAbstract
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in children represent a functional neurological condition where seizure-like episodes occur without associated abnormal electrical brain activity. Often misdiagnosed as epilepsy, PNES result in delayed psychological intervention and unnecessary pharmacotherapy. This narrative review synthesizes current international and regional literature on the clinical features, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic approaches for PNES, with specific emphasis on children aged 7–14 in Uzbekistan. The review underscores the role of psychosocial stressors, high rates of psychiatric comorbidities (e.g., anxiety, depression), and the utility of video-EEG in diagnosis. Multidisciplinary management—anchored in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and family engagement—is associated with favorable outcomes. Tailoring diagnostic and therapeutic frameworks to the Uzbek context is essential to improve early identification and care quality for affected children.
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