Non-epileptic seizures (or NES)
(Also called Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder, Dissociative seizures or Psychogenic Non-Epileptic seizures)
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What are they?
What are they?
Non-epileptic seizures are episodes of uncontrolled movements, sensations, or behaviour. Non-epileptic seizures are real, uncomfortable and can be scary for you and those around you.
These episodes may include symptoms such as:
- Fainting or blacking out
- Twitching or jerking movements
- Looking blank or becoming unresponsive
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty speaking
- Headaches
- Memory problems
They may look like epileptic seizures, but they are not epilepsy. There are important differences. In epilepsy, the brain produces abnormal electrical signals. However, non-epileptic seizures are not caused by this. Non-epileptic seizures are thought to be a reaction to distressing triggers such as sensations, thoughts, emotions and difficult situations.
Why do they happen?
Why do they happen?
There is no single cause of non-epileptic seizures. They often occur in response to stress, when the body and brain are in a place of “overdrive”. Examples of stressful situations include being bullied, going to a new school, and family disruptions or conflicts. They do not always occur directly after the stressful event. However, once they have been triggered, they become a reflex and can continue even when the stressful situation has ended.
What can I do to gain control over my non-epileptic seizures?
What can I do to gain control over my non-epileptic seizures?
Some general tips for helping you to gain control include:
- Having a balanced diet
- Trying to be more active. This can include going for short walks regularly and dancing to music that you enjoy.
- Getting a good night’s sleep (aim for 7-8 hours a night)
- Try to identify stressors and reduce them where possible.
- Spot early warning signs and try some grounding techniques.
Grounding can help to draw your attention back to the present moment. To use this technique, follow these steps:
- Focus on the things around you.
- Say out loud 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
- Remember, it is helpful to try to practice this when you are feeling well so that you can remember what to do when you are feeling stressed.
- It is also important to keep doing things. When we feel anxious or low, we can stop doing things that we want or need to do. When we stop doing these things, we miss out on a sense of achievement and enjoyment, which can impact our self-confidence. This can make us feel even more anxious and can increase the chances of having another seizure.
How can others help me?
How can others help me?
It is important to tell the people you trust about your non-epileptic seizures so that people know what to do if you do end up having a seizure. Overall, people should aim to respond with “support without fuss”. This means:
- Staying calm
- Staying with me
- Keeping me safe from danger (e.g., moving items away from me, placing a cushion under my head)
- Do not call an ambulance unless I am having difficulty breathing, or an injury has occurred which requires medical attention.
Further information
Further information
We hope you have found this leaflet helpful. Here are some other useful resources you can access.
Ratification and Acknowledgment
Ratified: 8th February 2024
Acknowledgment to:
Dr Lucy Wigg – Clinical Psychologist, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust
Hannah Cooper – Assistant Psychologist, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust
Tara Dixon – Children’s Epilepsy Nurse Specialist, NCH&C
December 2023
Reviewed by Dr Alasdair Parker Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Addenbrooke’s Hospital