Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), also known as non-epileptic attack disorders (NEAD), are events resembling an epileptic seizure, but without the characteristic electrical discharges associated with epilepsy.

There is no scientific consensus as to what causes PNES. However, many physicians believe the condition may be triggered by psychological problems (irrespective of whether the patient shows any obvious psychological distress or pathology). It is estimated that 20% of seizure patients seen at specialist epilepsy clinics have PNES.