How do you explain non epileptic seizures?

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 happens during a PNES seizure?

During a PNES episode, you may have jerky movements, tingling skin, or problems with coordination. You may notice changes in your vision or sense of smell. Some people have episodes often. Others have them only once in a while.

What is the most common factor in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures?

The duration of illness is probably the most important prognostic factor in PNES; the longer the patient has been treated for epilepsy, the worse the prognosis.

What is PNES diagnosis?

PNES can mimic (appear outwardly like) seizures and for that reason PNES are commonly diagnosed and treated at epilepsy centers. The diagnosis is typically made using a combination of information, but PNES is most reliably determined by recording a typical PNES event with video EEG (electroencephalogram) monitoring.

How long does a PNES seizure last?

Duration: Seizures generally last for a few seconds, and are followed by a period of physical and mental exhaustion, lasting for up to 24 hours. Pseudo-seizures can last for a long time and may be followed by a full recovery.

Can PNES be genetic?

Because the genetic basis of PNES is unknown and no established PNES genes exist, we applied the ACMG-AMP guidelines for research purposes only and considered genes associated with neurological or psychiatric disorders as candidate genes for PNES.

Is PNES 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.

How often do people with PNES have seizures?

Also, some patients have both epileptic seizures and PNES. Approximately 10-25\% of adults with PNES and up to 25\% of children with PNES may also have epilepsy.

Is PNES 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.

Can Pnes cause brain damage?

Can psychogenic nonepileptic seizures cause brain damage or be fatal? A PNES episode cannot by itself cause brain injury or death. However, if during the episode, the patient suffers a blow or physical injury, the situation changes.