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<http://www.epilepsynse.org.uk/PAGES/info/leaflets/factsnea.cfm>


Information on epilepsy: Non-epileptic seizures
The words non-epileptic seizures (NES) are used to describe seizures that often look like epileptic seizures but which have a different cause. Unlike epileptic seizures they are not caused by changes in brain activity. NES can take different forms and can have a range of causes.
What are seizures?

The term 'seizure' describes a sudden, short event where there is a change in a person's awareness of where they are or what they are doing, their behaviour or their feelings. The term is often used to describe epileptic seizures but there are many different types of seizure.
What causes seizures?

Non-Epileptic Seizures.

What causes NES?

Some NES have a physical cause - relating to the body - such as fainting. Fainting is also called syncope. Some NES have a psychological cause - relating to the mind - such as panic attacks.

If NES happen for a physical reason it is often easier to diagnose the underlying cause. For example a faint may be diagnosed as being due to a physical problem in the heart.

The term NES is usually used to describe seizures with a psychological cause.

Finding the cause

Sometimes it can be very hard to find the reason why non-epileptic seizures start. For some people their NES may happen shortly after a specific stressful event. For others their NES may not start after any particular life event. This can make finding the cause difficult.

Some NES only occur when a person feels stressed or anxious. For other people their NES may start to happen in situations which are not seen as stressful.

What do NES look like?

What happens to the person during their NES can vary. What happens during an epileptic seizure can also happen during a non-epileptic seizure. During NES, like epileptic seizures, a person might fall and hurt themselves, convulse (make jerking movements) or be incontinent (wet themselves). Both types of seizures can happen suddenly and without warning. Because of this it can sometimes be hard to tell epileptic and non-epileptic seizures apart.
Psychological causes of NES

Any experiences that we have, whether good or bad, can have a deep and long-lasting effect on us. Everyone has their own way of dealing with their experiences. For some people, the NES they have are their brain's way of dealing with past painful experiences.

The causes of NES may be past experiences such as bereavements, divorce, abuse or other emotional difficulties. On-going stress may also cause them, such as work, family or money worries. Some people may not know the cause of their seizures. Some people may not think stress is a possible cause as it may be a normal part of their life.

Examples of NES with a psychological cause

The following are some examples of NES with a psychological cause.
Panic attacks

Panic attacks can occur in frightening situations or when remembering previous frightening experiences. They can also happen in situations that are expected to be distressing. Panic attacks can be very upsetting for the person having them. They may feel very anxious or frightened as the panic attack starts.

The physical effects of these attacks may include having difficulty breathing, sweating, palpitations (being able to feel your heartbeat) and trembling. The person may also lose consciousness and may have convulsions.

Over time panic attacks may happen even if the person is not in a frightening situation.
Cut off or avoidance attacks

This type of attack happens when a person finds it difficult to cope in a very stressful or emotionally difficult situation. This is more likely to happen when a person does not feel able to say they are finding it hard to cope. As with panic attacks, over time this might even happen in situations that are not stressful.