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.
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…