Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) seizures, also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), are real, involuntary, and disabling episodes resembling epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical brain activity. Instead, they stem from a "software" issue in the brain, causing a temporary disruption in how the brain sends and receives signals, often triggered by stress, anxiety, or trauma.

What triggers FND seizures?

There are several factors that cause a non-epileptic seizure and some of them include severe mental and emotional trauma, migraine, narcolepsy, and other physiological conditions that have an effect on the flow of blood to the brain as well as constant changes in the levels of oxygen and sugar in the brain.”

What does an FND seizure look like?

FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) seizures, also called psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), look like epileptic seizures but have distinct features like eyes often staying closed, movements that are out of sync (e.g., pelvic thrusting, head side-to-side), longer duration (over 2-5 mins), and often a gradual onset with emotional upset afterward, with an EEG typically being normal. They involve real physical symptoms like thrashing or going motionless, but differ from epilepsy by these key clues, though they are not "faked" but are actual physical manifestations of a brain "software" issue.
 

Are FND seizures life threatening?

Functional seizures (FS), also called dissociative or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, are similarly associated with increased mortality and sudden unexpected death compared with the general population.

What is the difference between seizures and FND?

The Mechanisms of Epilepsy and FND

While epilepsy-related seizures are caused by excessive or abnormal electrical activity in the brain, FND is a functional disruption of the brain's networks, meaning the brain's pathways don't communicate with each other properly.

Seizures but Not Epilepsy? The Hidden FND Connection 🧠

What is the rule of 3 for seizures?

The "Rule of 3" for seizures refers to two different concepts: a medical guideline for defining seizure freedom (wait 3 times the longest prior seizure interval) and first-aid steps (Stay, Safe, Side). Medically, the "Rule of Three-To-Six" suggests waiting three times the typical seizure interval to confirm seizure freedom after an intervention, but potentially longer (up to six times) if seizure risk is high, while clinically, the 3 S's (Stay, Safe, Side) guide first aid: Stay with the person, ensure they are Safe, and turn them on their Side for breathing.
 

Is FND fake seizures?

Physical symptoms of FND are genuine but cannot be explained by changes in the brain structure. The exact cause of FND is unknown. FND symptoms may include: Seizure-like episodes.

How to stop a FND seizure?

As a way to combat that weird feeling and to try and stop the seizure from occurring, you can try sensory grounding. If you don't get a warning then grounding may still help if you are having off days where you think a seizure may happen, or you are in environments that could potentially trigger a seizure.

Can you drive if you have FND seizures?

You must not drive if you have been diagnosed with functional (dissociative) seizures. You must tell the DVLA about your diagnosis.

Who is most likely to get FND?

Before age 50, it is more likely to occur in women. After age 50 it affects both men and women equally. While the cause of FND is unclear, this condition and its symptoms are real. It causes serious distress and cannot be turned on and off at will.

Can FND seizures go away?

Treatment and Recovery

With the right support, people may see a significant reduction in seizure frequency and severity. Treatment approaches often include: Psychological therapy, such as CBT or trauma-informed support if appropriate.

Do FND seizures show up on EEG?

If your episodes are functional, an EEG will show normal electrical brain activity during an episode. However, in those who have epilepsy, EEG will show abnormal electrical activity during a seizure.

What is the 5 minute rule for seizures?

The "5-minute rule" for seizures means that if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, it's a medical emergency requiring immediate 911 (or local emergency number) assistance, as prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) can cause brain damage. Always time the seizure, call for help if it exceeds 5 minutes, if another seizure starts without full recovery, if the person has breathing issues, is injured, pregnant, diabetic, or if it's their first seizure, as these also warrant emergency care.

What does an FND seizure feel like?

A functional seizure (also called a dissociative seizure) is an episode where someone loses either their awareness of, or their ability to interact with, their surroundings. It may look like an epileptic seizure or a faint. A functional seizure can appear as: uncontrolled shaking.

What to do when someone with FND has a seizure?

Grand mal seizures can look frightening, but will normally pass quickly without causing lasting damage to the person. Do place a pillow or soft object under the person's head to keep their head from hitting the ground. Alternately, cup their head in your hands, but remember not to exert force.

What are the positive signs of FND?

A key shift in modern FND diagnosis has been the emphasis on positive signs—such as Hoover's sign in functional weakness, entrainment in functional tremor, and asynchronous limb movements in functional nonepileptic seizures (NESs)—that offer internal inconsistency or incongruity as diagnostic evidence [12,13].

What are the early warning signs of seizures?

Seizure symptoms may include:

• Short-lived confusion.
• A staring spell.
• Jerking movements of the arms and legs that can't be stopped.
• Loss of consciousness or awareness.
• Changes in thinking or emotions. These may include fear, anxiety or a feeling of already having lived the moment, called deja vu.

Is FND all in your head?

What is important to know is that FND is a REAL brain-based problem – it is not something you are imagining, making up, or bringing on yourself. It is also not the same thing as, or solely caused by, things like stress, anxiety, or depression.

What helps bring someone out of a seizure?

How to help someone who is having a seizure

• Remain calm. ...
• Keep the person safe. ...
• Turn the person onto their side if they are not awake or aware. ...
• Do not try to stop the person's movements or hold the person down. ...
• Stay with the person until they are fully awake and alert after the seizure.

How many seizures a day is too many?

For instance, one example of a plan may state: “Place the patient in a safe place or position and give the designated rescue medication if there have been more than 2-3 seizures in 24 hours or if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. Call 911 if injury, cyanosis, or continued seizure longer than 10 minutes.”

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