Seizures are when a person temporarily loses control of their body. They can be divided into two types based on their cause. Epileptic seizures are caused by abnormal brain activity. Non-epileptic seizures are caused by a problem other than abnormal brain activity.
The symptoms for non-epileptic and epileptic seizures are similar. These include:
Non-epileptic seizures are divided into two types based on their cause:
Some physical causes of non-epileptic seizures include:
Some psychological causes of non-epileptic seizures include:
Non-epileptic seizures can happen to anyone at any age. However, they are more common in:
The gold standard for diagnosis is called an electroencephalogram (EEG). This is a test where electrodes are stuck to the patient’s scalp and then connected to a device. The device records the patient’s brain activity. When the person has a seizure, the device shows if there is abnormal brain activity. An EEG is only done by a specialist.
Sometimes, the EEG alone is not enough to make the diagnosis. The doctor may then ask friends or family to take a video of the patient’s seizures.
In hard to diagnose cases, the doctor may ask the patient to stay overnight at a special seizure unit. These are usually in a hospital. The stay may last up to two weeks. During this time, the patient will be monitored by EEG and by video. This helps the doctor confirm the diagnosis.
Once non-epileptic seizures are diagnosed, the doctor will request other tests to find the cause. They may request:
The most common complication is physical injury during the seizure itself. However, seizures can affect all aspects of a person’s life. By law, uncontrolled seizures can restrict a person’s ability to drive, operate heavy machinery, or do certain jobs.
Treatment for non-epileptic seizures depends on the cause. The patient will be referred to appropriate specialists as needed. This can include a qualified mental health professional if the cause is thought to be psychological.
Traditional anti-epileptic medications do not work for non-epileptic seizures. However, medications for depression or anxiety can be helpful for some people.