None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
We do not understand very clearly what causes Functional Seizures (FS; also known as Non-Epileptic Seizures, or Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures) or how to treat them. Previous research suggests that rapid breathing (called hyperventilating) can provoke an episode in some people who have FS. We think that if these people could learn to control their breathing so that they didn’t breathe too quickly this might stop them having seizures. We have tested this on a few people with FS by teaching them something called Breathing Control Training (or ‘BCT’ for short) and found that most of their seizures either stopped or became much less frequent. BCT is a treatment provided by physiotherapists for people with asthma so they can manage their hyperventilation symptoms, but we want to see if it works for people who experience Functional Seizures (FS). In this research project, we will provide BCT, or a comparison treatment known as 'Befriending', to 220 people with FS so we can determine how many people BCT works for, and which people it does help (so we know who to recommend the treatment to in future). We will also assess if BCT is safe for FS (i.e. does it cause any side effects); if it is acceptable (i.e. do people like it, and find it easy to implement); and if it is an affordable treatment option for people with FS.
Interventions
Breathing Control Training (BCT) teaches appropriate rate and depth of breathing and the development of a pattern of breathing appropriate to a person's current physical activity level. The elimination of dysfunctional breathing patterns, including hyperinflation and hyperventilation, is discussed. Diaphragmatic breathing is taught, and emphasis is placed on calm, slow, nasal expiration. Education on stress responses and their interactions with breathing patterns is given. The integration of app
Breathing Control Training (BCT) teaches appropriate rate and depth of breathing and the development of a pattern of breathing appropriate to a person's current physical activity level. The elimination of dysfunctional breathing patterns, including hyperinflation and hyperventilation, is discussed. Diaphragmatic breathing is taught, and emphasis is placed on calm, slow, nasal expiration. Education on stress responses and their interactions with breathing patterns is given. The integration of appropriate breathing and relaxation techniques into daily living activities is encouraged. Initially exercises are taught in a semi-recumbent position, progressing to sitting, then standing, then during everyday activities. Finally, the integration of breathing and relaxation techniques into speech is taught and practiced. In this project, BCT will be delivered by a respiratory physiotherapist with specific training in this technique at the participant’s primary care hospital, or via Telehealth if required. The physiotherapist will conduct a 60min initial session with the participant (one-on-one) and a 30min refresher (‘booster’) session (one-on-one) 4-weeks later. Participants will be encouraged to practice the learnt BCT techniques daily (5-10 minutes, twice daily) and record their adherence in a calendar style diary. The diary will be be reviewed by the physiotherapist at the booster session and compliance recorded in the participant's case report form, as well if they attended both treatment sessions (initial and booster).
Sponsors
University of Melbourne
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
16 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
i) 16 years of age or above ii) Able to provide written, informed consent iii) Diagnosis of Functional Seizures (FS) confirmed by an Epileptologist based on at least one typical event captured on video EEG iv) Self-reported FS frequency of at least 2 per month v) English sufficient to complete questionnaires and understand the treatment intervention
Exclusion criteria
i) Co-morbid epilepsy ii) Currently engaging in other breathing therapy treatments/clinical trials
Outcome results
None listed