NEST

Research

The research of the NEST group is focused on developing and evaluating new treatments for NES.

NEST 1: Communication Study
This study is now complete. NEST 1 evaluated the acceptability and effectiveness of a standardised delivery of the diagnosis of NES by neurologists. Neurologists were encouraged to use a crib sheet in order to cover a list of core points in their explanation of the diagnosis and to give out a Patient Information Booklet. The study showed that the communication and information leaflet were easy to understand, answered patient's questions and helped patients to acknowledge that psychological factors could be contributing to their seizures.
The results of NEST 1 are now published in Epilepsia. You can view this here

NEST 2: Baseline Study
Recruitment in to this NIHR (RfPB) funded study is now complete. The aim of this project is to evaluate the course of NES over a period of 5 months after delivery of the diagnosis. Outcomes will be assessed in terms of seizure frequency, healthcare utilisation, health related quality of life, illness perceptions, activity limitation and perception of the usefulness of psychological treatment.


NEST 3: Feasibility Study
This is an NIHR (RfPB) funded uncontrolled pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) into the effectiveness of a brief educational programme for patients newly diagnosed with non-epileptic seizures. Recruitment in to this study is now complete.