Abstract
Objectives We performed an audit of the first 12-months of clinical operations to assess the feasibility of our public outpatient clinic for functional seizures.
Methods All clinical notes for the first 12-months of the functional seizures clinic were systematically reviewed with data compiled for referral pathways, clinic attendance, clinical features, treatments and outcomes.
Findings Eighty-eight new functional seizure patients were seen with fewer than 10% non-attendees. Most were diagnosed by a seizure captured during video-EEG monitoring and accepted the diagnosis. Most were having seizures at least weekly, with little sense of control and significant impairment. Most had significant psychiatric and medical comorbidity, and predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors were readily identified in >90%. Of 52 patients with follow-up data, more than 90% were stable or improved. Patients and their carers were highly grateful for the service.
Conclusions The Alfred Functional Seizure Clinic, as an early example of public outpatients services for functional seizures, is feasible and potentially effective.
