Epileptic seizures are caused by a disruption in the electric activity in the brain. Our brain is our body’s messenger. When a message gets interrupted or too many messages are sent at once, a seizure will occur. Due to the complexity of the brain, there are several different types of seizures. A person will have a seizure that resembles which region of the brain the electrical disturbance, or misfiring of neurons occurred.
There are many misdiagnoses of epilepsy due to seizures that are classified as “non-epileptic seizures.” Sometimes, non-epileptic seizures can be difficult to distinguish from an epileptic seizure. This leads to around 1 in 5 people obtaining a misdiagnosis. A key, distinguishable difference between an epileptic and non-epileptic seizure is the root cause.
So, what is a non-epileptic seizure? There are different reasons that a non-epileptic seizure can occur that are related to psychological, mental, and/or physiological sources. For example, seizures can occur from cardiac and vasovagal disorders (Trimble, 2008). These are just two examples of physiological issues that can lead to a seizure that is unrelated to epilepsy.
Trauma and Its Effects On The Body
Traumatic events or experiences can overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. Traumatic events or experiences can leave a person with internal mental, psychological, and physical injuries. However, in some cases, traumatic effects on an individual may be difficult to perceive. For example, when a traumatic event occurs, a person may not recall the event due to dissociation, an altered state of consciousness. Dissociation can occur as the brain’s adaptive and protective response to traumatic events. The event may not be consciously stored in the mental memory of the individual however, the body maintains the memory. To read more about this, The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk is recommended.
So, Does Trauma Affect Seizure Activity?
Yes, trauma can lead to non-epileptic seizures. In this case, the seizure is rooted in a psychological disturbance, rather than chronic issues related to disruptions in the electrical activity of the brain. Dissociative seizures may occur as a person’s reaction to painful emotions or thoughts that affect their body in the form of seizing. Dissociative seizures, also known as “pseudo-seizures,” are the most common type of non-epileptic seizures. Non-epileptic “pseudo-seizures” may occur as the body’s overwhelmed response to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Another name for dissociative seizures based on trauma is Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES). Research shows that PNES may occur due to the initiation of traumatic memory fragments. The seizure activity will occur as the body’s defense mechanism, as dissociation occurs. The altered state of consciousness relieves the person, as it prevents them from feeling the overwhelming emotions related to the traumatic event or experiences. Often, these individuals are not aware of the reasons related to their seizure activity.
Medical Evaluations
It can be difficult for doctors to distinguish the cause of consistent seizure activity. Anticonvulsant-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are suitable for people with epileptic seizures. Experiencing seizures is emotionally straining, regardless of the underlying reason that they occur. It is very common for individuals who experience seizures to have comorbid depression or anxiety, which can sometimes cause more seizure activity. Bringing a person who has witnessed a seizure with you to a neurologist can be very helpful, as they can see how the seizure presents, which can offer the doctors clues as to what may be occurring.
It is important to distinguish that some epileptic seizures cause dissociation, while others do not. This means that some people maintain a conscious state during their seizures, depending on the area of the brain with seizure activity.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can be a beneficial tool to work through different layers of emotional distress. Reduction of anxiety can reduce seizure activity. Also, working through trauma in a safe space can be very crucial for individuals who have non-epileptic seizures, as PTSD symptoms can be alleviated. Furthermore, many individuals who experience seizures tend to avoid going out due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. Working through these issues is significant for your quality of life, self-confidence, and re-establishing a sense of identity.
Seizure activity is complex. There are an array of emotions and frustration that show up alongside seizure activity, regardless of whether it is based on epileptic activity or other physiological or psychological issues. If you are struggling or you have a family member who you worry about, contact an epilepsy therapist in Vancouver. You are not alone in your journey. Read more about me and how I hope to support you to become the best version of yourself.