Title: Understanding Psychogenic Seizures: Real Symptoms, Real Solutions

Title: Understanding Psychogenic Seizures: Real Symptoms, Real Solutions

by

Miriam Ike

Dear Faithful Readers,

When we think about seizures, we often imagine someone suddenly collapsing, convulsing, or losing awareness—usually due to epilepsy. But what if I told you that not all seizures are caused by abnormal brain electrical activity? Welcome to the lesser-known, often misunderstood world of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), also called functional seizures.

Today on Health Info with Mims, we're diving into what psychogenic seizures really are, why they happen, and the most effective ways to support those who experience them—especially within the Nigerian socio-economic context.

What Are Psychogenic Seizures?

Psychogenic seizures look very similar to epileptic seizures but have a psychological origin rather than a neurological one. That means they're not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, but rather by emotional or psychological distress. These seizures are very real to the individual experiencing them, but they stem from mental health issues like:

• Severe stress

• Childhood or adult trauma

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Other underlying emotional conflicts

In Nigeria, where mental health is still under-recognized and stigmatized, many people—especially women and young people—suffer in silence. They might be taken to prayer houses, labelled as spiritually afflicted, or dismissed entirely. This often delays or even denies them the proper help they need.

Symptoms of Psychogenic Seizures

The symptoms can mimic epilepsy but often differ in subtle ways. Here are some common features:

• Sudden collapse or convulsions not caused by a physical trigger

• Limb shaking or stiffening that varies in pattern

• Crying, screaming, or verbal outbursts during episodes

• Long duration (often longer than epileptic seizures)

• Lack of confusion or disorientation afterward

• Absence of tongue biting or loss of bladder control (more common in epileptic seizures)

A key point: these seizures are involuntary and not "faked." The person is not acting or pretending. It is the body’s way of expressing extreme psychological distress.

How Are They Diagnosed?

In Nigeria, many people go from hospital to hospital without answers, sometimes spending huge sums on medications that don’t work. Here's what helps with accurate diagnosis:

1. Video EEG Monitoring – This is the gold standard. It helps doctors see what's happening in the brain during a seizure.

2. Psychological Evaluation – A mental health assessment can uncover underlying emotional trauma.

3. Clinical History – Doctors may notice that medications for epilepsy are ineffective or that stress triggers the episodes.

If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained seizures and medications aren’t helping, it might be time to explore the possibility of PNES.

What Is the Best Therapy for Psychogenic Seizures?

Unlike epileptic seizures, which are treated with anti-seizure medication, PNES is best managed with psychological therapy and lifestyle interventions. Here's what works:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – The First Line of Help

CBT is a structured form of therapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It helps PNES patients:

• Manage emotional triggers

• Learn stress-coping strategies

• Resolve past trauma

• Regain a sense of control

Many people show significant improvement after just a few months of CBT.

2. Trauma-Informed Therapy

Since many patients with PNES have a history of trauma (e.g., sexual abuse, domestic violence, or childhood neglect), trauma-focused therapies like:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Narrative Exposure Therapy

• Psychodynamic Therapy

can be highly effective in long-term healing.

3. Psychoeducation and Family Therapy

Understanding the condition is half the battle. Many Nigerian families mistakenly believe the person is being dramatic or possessed. Family sessions help:

• Reduce stigma

• Teach empathy and support

• Reduce emotional stressors at home

4. Stress Management Techniques

Daily stress, especially in our economic climate, is a major trigger. Teachable tools include:

• Deep breathing and relaxation exercises

• Yoga and mindfulness (you can join our Mindful Mondays series!)

• Journaling and expressive writing

• Limiting overstimulation from loud environments

5. Medication (Only if Needed)

While anti-seizure meds won’t help with PNES, a doctor may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications if the patient has severe depression or anxiety. These are not a cure, but a support while therapy does the deeper work.

Local Solutions and Nigerian Context

In a country like Nigeria where access to mental health professionals is limited, solutions need to be community-based and affordable:

• Teletherapy and Online Support Groups: NGOs and health tech start-ups are beginning to offer these.

• Train more mental health professionals: Nurses, teachers, and clergy can be trained in basic mental health support.

• Use primary health centres as points of referral for therapy, not just drugs.

• Community awareness: Use local language radio programs and church/mosque gatherings to destigmatize PNES and promote mental wellness.

A Word of Hope

Dear readers, if you or someone you love is battling seizures that don’t seem to make medical sense, please don’t lose hope. Psychogenic seizures are real, but they are also treatable. Healing comes not from shame or silence, but from compassion, professional help, and understanding.

In Summary – Best Therapies for PNES:

Therapy Type	Benefit
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)	Addresses thought-emotion-behavior loop
Trauma-Informed Therapy	Resolves root cause (past trauma)
Family Counseling	Creates a supportive environment
Mindfulness & Stress Techniques	Reduces stress and seizure triggers
Medication (if needed)	Manages underlying anxiety/depression

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you have questions or stories to share about psychogenic seizures, feel free to drop a comment or send us a message. Let’s work together to promote mental wellness and holistic health in Nigeria—one story at a time.

With kindness and health,
Miriam Ike
Blogger, Mental Health Advocate/Therapist, Social Behaviour Change Specialist.

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