Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures
Overview
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- History of trauma, such as sexual trauma
- A recent emotionally painful event, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one
- Family history of epilepsy
Things that may raise the risk of this problem in children are:
- Problems in school
- Family conflict
- Problem with others, such as bullying
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You may need to see a doctor who treats the nervous system and the brain.
This information may be enough to suspect PNES. These tests may be done to rule out other types of seizures:
- Blood tests
- Brain scans
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) to look at electrical activity in the brain
Treatments
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Pseudoseizures)
RESOURCES
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy http://www.cureepilepsy.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://www.familydoctor.org
References
LaFrance WC Jr, Reuber M, et al. Management of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsia. 2013 Mar;54 Suppl 1:53-67.
Non-epileptic seizures and dissociative seizures. Epilepsy Society website. Available at: https://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/non-epileptic-seizure. Accessed November 19, 2020.
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/psychogenic-nonepileptic-seizures. Accessed November 19, 2020.
The truth about psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsy Foundation website. Available at: http://www.epilepsy.com/article/2014/3/truth-about-psychogenic-nonepileptic-seizures. Accessed November 19, 2020.