Muscle enzymes, blood gases and quantitative EEG in differential diagnosis of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and conversive non-epileptic seizures

Abstract

Aim: In this study we aimed to investigate the contribution of muscle enzymes, blood gases and quantitative EEG (QEEG) in differential diagnosis of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and conversive non-epileptic seizures. Materials and Methods: In this study we included 33 cases having generalized tonicclonic seizures, 33 cases with conversive non-epileptic seizures and 33 cases of healthy individuals. The blood analyses of the all of the individuals included in this study (CPK, LDH, CKMB, P02, PCO2 and PH) made twice before the treatment started and medical intervention applied, just after the seizure was finished (CPK1, LDH1, CKMB1, P02(A), PCO2(A) and PHA) and 48 hours after the seizure (CPK2, LDH2, CKMB2, P02(8), PCO2B and PHB). Results: In generalized tonic-clonic seizures group there were significant differences between CPK1 and CPK2, LDH1 and LDH2, P02(A) and P02(B), PCO2(A) and PCO2(B) and PHA and PHB values (p<.05). In conversive non-epileptic seizures group significant differences between CPK1 and CPK2, LDH1 and LDH2 values have been observed (p<.05). When generalized tonic-clonic seizures group and conversive non-epileptic seizures group were compared with each other, values of CPK2, LDH2, P02(A), PCO2(A), PHA showed significant difference (p<.05). In comparison of values of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, conversion non-epileptic seizures and control groups, difference in CPK1 and LDH1 values of generalized tonic-clonic seizures group and other two groups have been shown significantly different (p>.05). Discussion: Findings of this study suggest that CPK and LDH values and levels of blood gases may be helpfull as practical, economical and easy methods in differential diagnosis of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and the conversive non-epileptic seizures mimicking generalized tonic-clonic seizures.