What is a Nonepileptic seizure?

What is a Nonepileptic seizure?

Topic Overview. People with nonepileptic seizures (NES) have periods of seizure-like activity. NES are characterized by a loss of or change in physical function without a central nervous system problem. The loss or change causes periods of physical activity or inactivity that resemble epileptic seizures.

What happens during a non-epileptic seizure?

When an adult has a nonepileptic seizure, their symptoms may include: convulsions. stiffening or jerky, twitchy movements. crying out.

What is the difference between a seizure and a Pseudoseizure?

During an attack, findings such as asynchronous or side-to-side movements, crying, and eye closure suggest pseudoseizures, whereas occurrence during sleep indicates a true seizure.

Are non-epileptic seizures neurological?

PNES are attacks that may look like epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal brain electrical discharges. Instead, they are a manifestation of psychological distress. PNES are not a unique disorder but are a specific type of a larger group of psychiatric conditions that manifest as physical symptoms.

What medication is used for non-epileptic seizures?

Sertraline, a commonly used antidepressant medication. A form of cognitive behavioral therapy. A form of cognitive behavioral therapy and sertraline.

How common are non-epileptic seizures?

Many people have non-epileptic seizures. At Cleveland Clinic, we see between 100 and 200 patients each year with this condition. Most of our patients are between ages 20 and 40, but non-epileptic seizures can occur in both younger and older people as well.

How do you deal with non-epileptic seizures?

Living with non-epileptic seizures

1. keep the person safe from injury or harm: only move them if they are in danger.
2. if they have fallen, put something soft under their head to protect it.
3. allow the seizure to happen, don’t restrain or hold them down.
4. stay with them until they have recovered.

Are non-epileptic seizures life threatening?

Emotional stress or trauma may cause PNEE, while electrical problems in the brain cause epileptic seizures. PNEE events look and feel real. They are serious but not life-threatening. They cannot hurt your child’s brain.

Are non-epileptic seizures a disability?

PNES cause significant suffering and disability, with worse health care related quality of life than that associated with epileptic seizures. Most patients with undiagnosed and/or untreated PNES continue to have seizures and remain on disability.

What causes nonepileptic seizures?

Some of the causes of non-epileptic seizures are extreme emotional stress due to an accident or illness, end of a relationship, abuse, grief, mental pain, being bullied, or any other condition which triggers stress. The seizures are the physical manifestation of a trauma which the patient cannot speak out.

What are some possible causes of seizures other than epilepsy?

Anything that interrupts the normal connections between nerve cells in the brain can cause a seizure. This includes a high fever, high or low blood sugar, alcohol or drug withdrawal, or a brain concussion. But when a person has 2 or more seizures with no known cause, this is diagnosed as epilepsy.

Is it possible to have a seizure and not know it?

Unfortunately, yes, you can have seizures and not know it. I went 38 years not knowing! I spent a lot of time “day dreaming” in school and home. I was considered slow and lazy by both my teachers and parents.

Can you have a seizure without having epilepsy?

It is possible to have epileptic seizures without having epilepsy. A seizure is an acute event. Epilepsy is a chronic condition. Seizures triggered by drug overdoses or acute withdrawal can be epileptic seizures, but the person doesn’t have epilepsy.