Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

With full-body spasms or shaking, some psychogenic nonepileptic seizures sufferers may appear to be having generalized convulsions resembling tonic-clonic seizures. Others may experience limb twitching or jerking. In some patients, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures may resemble drop attacks or absence seizures (a momentary loss of awareness) (syncope-like episodes).

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures episodes can resemble any of the various kinds of seizures associated with epilepsy. Seizure-like attacks are the primary symptom of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, and the following seizure symptoms strongly suggest psychogenic nonepileptic seizures :

•        Convulsions of the convulsive variety that last more than ten minutes.
•       Seizures of a convulsive kind combined with awareness.
•        Rapid head movements to the side.
•        Movement of the limbs is uncoordinated.
•        Unresponsiveness with the eyes closed.
•        Groin thrusting
•        Adapting movement styles

If you have any of these symptoms visit a Neurologist to be diagnosed and treated properly.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures is regarded as a protective mechanism that emerges in response to subterranean psychological anguish. Some people may be in distress as a result of unresolved or untreated mental health issues. The following psychiatric disorders frequently co-occur with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures :

•        PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
•        Depressive illnesses
•        Disorders of dissociation.
•        Disorder with somatic symptoms.
•        Psychological disorders

The tests listed below can help in Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures diagnosis and evaluation :

•        Video Electroencephalography (vEEG)
•  When a patient is seen having typical seizures without concomitant EEG abnormalities, an accurate diagnosis is made.

In addition to immediate management of the psychogenic nonepileptic seizures’ symptoms, the major treatment for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures entails identifying and treating the underlying mental problems that contribute to the condition noting that psychogenic nonepileptic seizures cannot be treated with anti-seizure medicines.

•  Psychotherapy and drugs are advised.
•  People with post-traumatic stress disorder may benefit from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and prolonged exposure therapy.
•  Dialectical behavioral therapy is one Cognitive behavioral therapy -based therapy that has shown promise in treating personality disorders.
•  You may be prescribed antidepressants to overcome underlying psychiatric reasons.
•  During management, your Neurologist/ Psychiatrist will focus on :
•  Identification and management of typical seizure triggers
•  Education regarding different forms of seizures
•  Stressors impacting the PNES in the past or present.
•  Enhanced capacity for controlling emotions with relaxation training.