Neuropsychiatrist In Patna Explains The Difference Between Seizure And Pseudoseizure
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Epileptic seizures occur due to abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. However, not all seizure-like episodes are epileptic.
Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES), also known as pseudoseizures, can mimic true seizures but have different causes and treatments.
Many people confuse these two disorders, making an accurate diagnosis crucial. In this blog, we aim to provide a clear perspective on seizure vs pseudoseizure, focusing on symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and how to differentiate them.
What Happens During a Seizure vs. a Pseudoseizure?
Seizures result from a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain.
This surge disrupts normal neuronal communication, causing disturbances in behavior, movements, or consciousness.
Common symptoms of seizures include rigid-body convulsions, staring spells, transient confusion, or sudden falls.
These are often associated with epilepsy or other neurological disorders.
But what is a pseudoseizure? Pseudoseizures are not caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain.
They are typically psychological in origin and may be triggered by emotional distress, unresolved trauma, or psychopathological conditions such as depression or anxiety.
These episodes often physically resemble seizures.
The key tool for difference between seizure and pseudoseizure is an electroencephalogram (EEG).
True seizures often show abnormal brain activity on an EEG, while such activity is rarely present during pseudoseizures.
Key Symptoms That Help Differentiate
While seizures and pseudoseizures may appear similar at first glance, certain signs can help distinguish them:
During true seizures, patients typically:
Lose consciousness
Bite their tongue
Experience incontinence
Have a recovery period marked by confusion and fatigue
During pseudoseizures, patients often display:
Asynchronous or uncoordinated limb movements
Episodes that last longer than typical seizures
Episodes occurring primarily in the presence of others
Lack of post-episode confusion
Eyes may close during an episode (in contrast to true seizures, where eyes typically remain open)
So, how can you tell the difference between seizures and pseudoseizures?
Diagnosis of pseudoseizures often involves video-EEG monitoring and psychological evaluation.
Observing situational factors, such as stress or triggers, is also critical.
Causes and Triggers Behind the Episodes
The causes of these two conditions further highlight the difference between seizures and pseudoseizures.
Epileptic seizures may be caused by:
Genetic conditions
Brain injuries
Infections affecting the brain (e.g., meningitis)
Stroke
Brain tumors or malformations
In contrast, triggers for pseudoseizures include:
Psychological trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Depression or anxiety disorders
Emotional or family stress
While stress may contribute to both seizures and pseudoseizure-like episodes, their underlying origins differ.
Understanding the causes of seizures vs. pseudoseizures informs their treatment: anti-epileptic drugs for seizures or psychotherapy for pseudoseizures.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosing a seizure or pseudoseizure requires a thorough evaluation by neurologists and mental health professionals.
An epileptologist may use an EEG, MRI, or CT scan to detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain to confirm an epileptic seizure.
In contrast, pseudoseizures (termed psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, or PNES, by the International League Against Epilepsy) typically show normal brain electrical activity during episodes.
Diagnosis often involves a comprehensive medical history, video-EEG monitoring, and psychological evaluation.
These assessments help determine whether the episodes stem from neurological dysfunction or psychological stressors, such as trauma, anxiety, or dissociative states.Treatment approaches differ significantly.
Epileptic seizures are managed with anti-epileptic drugs, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgery.
Pseudoseizures, however, are typically treated with psychotherapy, including stress management, counseling, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Treating pseudoseizures with anti-epileptic medications is often ineffective and may worsen symptoms.
Thus, accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure appropriate treatment tailored to the condition’s etiology, whether neurological or psychological.
Conclusion
Although seizures and pseudoseizures may appear similar, they differ in their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
A proper diagnosis by a neurologist, mental health professional, or top neuropsychiatrist in Patna can significantly improve recovery outcomes and prevent unnecessary medication.
If you’re unsure how to distinguish a pseudoseizure from a seizure, consult an expert, such as a leading neuropsychiatrist in Patna - Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh, for specialized evaluation and care.
Understanding the root causes of these episodes is a vital step toward recovery and a healthier quality of life.
FAQs
1: Are Pseudoseizures Fake?
No. Pseudoseizures are real episodes caused by psychological stress or trauma and should be treated seriously. They differ from epileptic seizures in that they require psychological intervention and treatment.
2: What Are the Warning Signs of a Seizure?
Warning signs of seizures, often called auras, include strange feelings or sensations. These may accompany confusion, staring spells, muscle stiffness, or jerking movements. Some individuals may experience intense fear or déjà vu.
3: At What Age Do Absence Seizures Stop?
Absence seizures typically begin in childhood and often cease by adolescence. However, in some cases, they may persist into adulthood or evolve into other forms of seizures.
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