FAQs about psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)
How is the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) made?
The diagnosis of PNES requires the expertise of a doctor that is familiar with epilepsy and PNES. To confirm the diagnosis of PNES:
-your doctor will ask you questions about how you feel before, during and after the episode;
-when possible, your doctor will ask witnesses who have seen your episodes about them;
-when possible, you should share any videos of your episodes with your doctor;
-your doctor may order tests to help confirm the diagnosis.
The diagnosis is best confirmed when your doctor can watch an episode on video while recording your brain-wave activity on a test called video EEG (video electro-encephalogram). The video will show features typical for PNES and the brain wave pattern will be normal in PNES.
In most cases, the information from patients, witnesses, videos, and ultimately video EEG will help confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may decide to run other tests depending on the specific symptoms.
