FAQs about PNES
Get some answers
Most likely if you were given the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), you and your family will have many questions. This section of frequently asked questions (FAQs) is meant to answer some of them. Not all answers may apply to you, and you should bring up any questions about the information provided here to your doctor or treatment team.
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Answers to your questions about Psychogenic Non Epileptic Seizures
- Epileptic seizures and nonepileptic seizures — what is the difference?
- What is the difference between nonepileptic seizures and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- What are psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- Some doctors told me that my seizures are “not real” or that I am “faking them”? Am I “going crazy”?
- How many people have psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- Can psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) occur at any age?
- Are psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) more common in men or women?
- What triggers psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- What are the typical symptoms and signs that happen during psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- Can psychogenic nonepileptic seizures cause brain damage or be fatal?
- How is the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) made?
- What happens during a video EEG test?
- Can seizures be induced?
- What if the patient has no typical episodes while having video EEG?
- How important is it to make the diagnosis early?
- What is the correct name to use? What is the big deal with the name we use to call psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- Can you still be diagnosed with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) if you also have a neurological condition?
- Is it possible for someone to have both epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) or to have an abnormal EEG but still be diagnosed with PNES?
- How common is to have a family history of epilepsy in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- What are intelligence and cognitive functions (thinking, memory, attention, etc.) like in people with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- What are some of the other physical and psychological problems that people with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) have?
- How common are traumatic experiences in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- I heard other terms such as “functional neurological disorder”, “conversion disorder”, “dissociative disorders” and “somatic symptom disorder”. What are those and how are those terms related to psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- How do you feel about the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- Will I get better?
- What forms of treatment are available for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- How do we know if the treatment is working?
- Should I be driving if I have psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?
- What can I do to make an episode stop?
- What should other people do when I have an episode?
- Is there an official awareness color for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)?