Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures

What Are PNES?

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures are seizures that closely resemble epileptic seizures (most commonly grand mal seizures), but they are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and they do not cause brain damage. Instead, they result from psychological stress.

Symptome

The main symptom of PNES is seizure-like attacks. The only true way to know if someone has PNES rather than epilepsy is through testing, but the following symptoms may point toward a potential likelihood of PNES:

• Convulsive seizures that last longer than 10 minutes
• Convulsive seizures, where you still retain awareness
• Rapid side-to-side head movements
• Out-of-phase limb movements
• Eyes-closed unresponsiveness
• Pelvic thrusting
• Changing patterns of movement

Who Does It Affect?

PNES is more common in women than in men and often begins in early adulthood.

Risk factors in developing PNES include:

• History of sexual abuse
• History of physical abuse or neglect
• Coexisting psychiatric conditions such as depressive disorders, PTSD, or personality disorders
• A tendency to suppress emotions

PNES is also more prevalent in the veteran population.

Common Comorbids With PNES

• PTSD
• Depressive Störungen
• Dissoziative Störungen
• Somatic Symptom Disorder
• Personality Disorders

Behandlung

PNES is treated by treating the underlying psychiatric conditions – this is done through therapy and potentially medication. Often, CBT based therapies will be used, as well as EMDR.

Quellen

This Cleveland Clinic article inspired this page.

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