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psychogenic seizures

psychogenic seizures are seizures that do not have a physical cause. they can be caused by stress, injury, emotional trauma, or mental illness.

psychogenic seizures are a type of non-epileptic seizure. this means they are not caused by epilepsy. but people with epilepsy may have psychogenic seizures. psychogenic seizures are sometimes called pseudoseizures.

it is important to distinguish psychogenic seizures from epilepsy, because the risks may outweigh any benefit of treating psychogenic seizures with antiepileptic medicines.

  • psychogenic seizures are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. a person having a psychogenic seizure will not have the typical electroencephalogram (eeg) findings of an epileptic seizure.
  • the events that are witnessed during a psychogenic seizure tend to vary from seizure to seizure. this is different from epileptic seizures, which seem to progress in a similar pattern every time.

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this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

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