Add To Favorites In PHR
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. A person can have both nonepileptic and epileptic seizures.
NES are usually related to a mental health problem, like an emotional conflict or stress. But, sometimes NES are related to a problem like low blood sugar or the way the heart is working. One example of NES is psychogenic seizures, sometimes called pseudoseizures.
NES symptoms usually appear suddenly and at times of extreme emotional stress. Some doctors believe that the symptoms of NES may be an attempt to reduce anxiety by not recognizing or responding to an emotional conflict.
People with NES have periods of loss of or change in physical activity that resemble epileptic seizures or the aura of a seizure, such as:
People with NES usually exhibit only one symptom. But if episodes recur, the symptom may reappear but in a different location or intensity.
Treatment of NES varies with each person. The goals of treatment for NES are to relieve the stress or an emotional conflict that may be causing the loss of or change in physical function. Physical causes, such as low blood sugar or a heart issue, are treated as needed. Treatment may include medicines, counseling, or specific life changes, such as a job change or assistance at home.
Because NES are not caused by a problem in the brain, medicines that are used to treat epilepsy are not used to treat this condition.
ByHealthwise StaffPrimary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - PediatricsAdam Husney, MD - Family MedicineMartin J. Gabica, MD - Family MedicineKathleen Romito, MD - Family MedicineSpecialist Medical ReviewerSteven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology
Current as ofOctober 9, 2017
Current as of: October 9, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2017 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
print close directions