Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

There’s more than meets the eye

Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES) are the body’s way of coping with psychological distress. Often, PNES are misdiagnosed as epilepstic seizures. At the end of the day, a seizure is a seizure. They are upsetting to live with, unpredictable at times, and take away from the quality of your life.

Symptoms of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures can  include: 

• Loss of control over motor skills and automatic functions

• Changes in behavior or cognition

• Strange physical sensations, like tingling 

• Difficulties with speech

• Inability to move 

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures are the body’s way of communicating stress or intense feelings, and can be scary. People have described this condition as frustrating, as some medical professionals and the general public are unfamiliar with the condition.  People simply have trouble wrapping their heads around seizures that are based in the psyche, rather than neurology. The stress of misdiagnoses and misunderstandings can definitely fuel the fire and leave you feeling like you’re on an island.

PNES does not have to be your reality. Seizures do not have to be a part of your future.

Live without the added worry

Our psychotherapists are here to offer you coping mechanisms so that your seizures are no longer a necessary outlet for your body. Your psychotherapist will work with you to evaluate what in your life has contributed to high stress levels. Often, trauma is a root cause of PNES. We’ll work with you to navigate your past safely. 

If you experience anxiety, depression, or post traumatic stress disorder, your psychotherapist will work with you to reduce your anxiety, understand and navigate through your depression, or change how traumatic symptoms are experienced, and overtime, reduced. Regardless of your unique experience, we will make sure that your stress decreases, your emotions are recognized and processed, and that you are able to reduce or eliminate seizure activity triggered by stress.

You are able to live a life where seizures don’t get in your way, and stress doesn’t dictate your health and ability. Flip the script and take charge over your seizures. Get in touch today and get your life back.