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Epilepsy Center
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RSS FeedPsychogenic Non-Epiliptic Seizures
Psychogenic seizures are often called non-epileptic seizures though the symptoms may lead patients and health care providers to believe they are a sign of epilepsy. However, epileptic seizures are caused by sudden abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures are attacks that may look like epileptic seizures, but are not caused by abnormal brain electrical discharges. They are stress or emotionally related.
Psychogenic seizures are most often misdiagnosed as epilepsy. These seizures are not rare – in fact, one in five patients sent to an epilepsy specialist for difficult seizures is found to have psychogenic seizures.
Because the diagnosis is confusing and often misunderstood, patients and their families may want to learn more about these seizures. Helpful information on psychogenic seizures can be found at these locations:
• Epilepsy.com
• EpilepsyOntario.org
If you have epilepsy and your physician has referred you to UC Neuroscience Institute, please have the following information available when you contact us:
| • | Name |
| • | Address |
| • | Daytime phone number |
| • | Insurance coverage - name of the company, your insurance plan number |
| • | Diagnosis - the nature of the problem |
| • | Tests you have had |
| • | Medical treatments or surgery you have had for this condition |
