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2003
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October
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Differential Diagnosis in Adult Neuropsychological Assessment
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Springer Publishing Company
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109
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ISBN 0826116655
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A significant percentage of people diagnosed with
Epilepsy later have this revised. In one study, the majority of children referred to a secondary clinic with "fits, faints and funny turns" did not have epilepsy, with syncope (fainting) as the most common alternative.
1 (Free full text online) In another study, 39% of children referred to a tertiary epilepsy centre did not have epilepsy, with staring episodes in
Mentally Retarded children as the most common alternative.
2 (Free full text online) In adults, the figures are similar, with one study reporting a 26% rate of misdiagnosis.
3 (Free full text online)
Medically, the term ''seizure'' is usually restricted to epileptic seizures. Where the physician is uncertain as to the diagnosis, the medical term "paroxysmal event" and the lay terms "spells", "funny turns" or "attacks" are often used.
The various physiological causes include:
