Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) are a more common condition than one would think. Between 20-30% of those sent to an epilepsy center to help diagnose and control seizures are found to have PNES (Source: Medscape). If you have been diagnosed with PNES or pseudoseizures by health professionals and are looking for relief, neurofeedback is a natural treatment that can help reduce the number and frequency of seizures.
How is PNES different from epileptic seizures?
Epileptic seizures result from abnormal brain misfires related to a neurological condition. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, on the other hand, result from trauma, stress, and severe emotional distress. The seizures may look the same on the outside, with a temporary loss of consciousness, shaking, convulsions, or the type of seizure that involves staring or inattention. The cause is very different, though the symptoms are similar.
What causes PNES?
The exact reason PNES develops in some individuals and not others is unknown. However, scientists believe it relates to emotional distress and/or trauma like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A sudden change, end of a relationship, grief, abuse, witness to violence, accident or illness, or other stressors can trigger the body’s absorption of the trauma. The seizures can be the physical manifestation of the trauma that is unspoken.
How does neurofeedback help?
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that helps individuals break habits of mind to reduce or eliminate symptoms caused by trauma, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Often symptoms can be observed during qEEG or brain mapping, and specific protocols can be created to address those symptoms. While enjoying a 30 min session observing and responding to visual cues, your brain begins the process of creating new neural pathways and learning new habits that can help give it more emotional resiliency in the face of stress and trauma. It is non-invasive and the results last a long time, possibly eliminating the need for medication. One research study showed that neurofeedback in combination with psychotherapy was a very effective treatment for psychogenic seizures.
Where can I find out more about Neurotherapy?
Neurofeedback training or Neurotherapy can be an outstanding tool to help individuals reduce or eliminate seizures, better manage stress, and recover from traumatic experiences. Emotional pain is real, and you deserve relief. Contact Dr. Ed Carlton at the Carlton NeuroFeedback Center in Manassas, Virginia, for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to see if neurofeedback might be the right answer for you or a loved one. Find out more about neurofeedback in our helpful, free eBook.