BMC’s Yawkey building doors are now closed as an entrance as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our campus and provide you with the best clinical care.

All patients and visitors on our main campus must enter our hospital via Shapiro, Menino, or Moakley buildings, where they will be greeted by team members at a new centralized check-in desk before continuing to the hospital. We are excited to welcome you and appreciate your patience as we improve our facilities.

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures


Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are seizures that are caused by psychological distress, rather than abnormal electrical activity in your brain. The two types of seizures may look similar, but need different treatments.

PNES is a type of conversion disorder, where psychological stress causes a physical symptom. But that doesn't mean people with these types of seizures are faking - just like people with epilepsy, they have no control over their seizures.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk of PNES instead:

  • Being female
  • Experiencing abuse of any kind, including sexual or physical abuse
  • Other psychiatric conditions
  • Experiencing trauma
  • A tendency to hold in your emotions
  • Serving in the armed forces

Treatment

The main treatment for PNES is talk therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy. You may also need treatment for co-occurring psychaitric conditions.

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Epilepsy Program

The Epilepsy Program offers a full range of diagnostic tests and treatments for epilepsy, with doctors who are focused solely on this condition. 
Epilepsy Program
department

Neurology

The Neurology Department offers a full spectrum of neurological care for all neurological disorders, from epilepsy to headaches to Alzheimer’s disease. Our robust research program…
Neurology