Comparative Study of Déjà-Vu and Associated Attributes Among Epileptics and Non-Epileptics

Abstract

Introduction: Déjà vu is a feeling of familiarity experienced when one undergoes certain events when in reality it is unknown. Déjà vu in epilepsy has shown to occur frequently, last somewhat longer and associated with fatigue, hyperactivity, exhaustion, headaches, blackouts or fear.

Aims & Objectives: To determine any difference in déjà vu and its parameters among epileptic and normal healthy individuals.

Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at Central Park Medical College Lahore, Pakistan December 2019 to March 2020.

Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the frequency of the phenomenon of déjà vu between epileptics and non-epileptics. The assessment was done by IDEA questionnaires comprising of 23 items assessing quantitative and qualitative aspects of déjà vu with some additional demographic questions such as age, gender, parental consanguinity, drugs, cause of epilepsy, and fitness status. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23, p value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The group difference was present about perceiving of the feeling of recognition between epileptics (2.00 + 2) and non-epileptics (2.00 + 3) with a p-value of 0.037. No significant difference was observed on any other parameter.

Conclusion: The study shows no difference in the prevalence of déjà vu and its associated parameters among both groups. The results have limitations due to sample size, time and resources.