Anxiety seizures, also called psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), happen when extreme stress or anxiety causes seizure-like episodes. Unlike epileptic seizures, which are produced by unusual electrical activity in the brain, these events are brought on by psychological causes.
A study from PubMed indicates that PNES affects about 2 to 33 people per 100,000. They are more common in young adults, especially women, and often occur in people with anxiety or panic disorders.
Anxiety seizures are difficult to diagnose since they appear to be epileptic convulsions. Understanding the differences is critical for receiving the appropriate treatment. Learn about the link between anxiety and seizures, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Do Anxiety Attacks Lead to Seizures?
Anxiety itself does not cause seizures in people without epilepsy. However, it can trigger non-epileptic seizures in individuals with PNES. Stress and anxiety can also lower the seizure threshold in people with epilepsy, making them more likely to experience an episode.
Anxiety seizures usually happen as a reaction to emotional stress or trauma. People experiencing them may have shaking, blackouts, memory lapses, or uncontrolled movements. Unlike epileptic seizures, these episodes don’t show abnormal brain activity on an EEG, which helps doctors tell them apart from epilepsy.
Stress-Induced Seizures vs. Epileptic Seizures
Stress-induced seizures (PNES) and epileptic seizures are different in several ways:
Cause
PNES is triggered by psychological stress or trauma, while epileptic seizures result from abnormal brain activity.
EEG Results
During a PNES episode, EEG scans appear normal, but epileptic seizures show abnormal brain activity.
Triggers
PNES is often caused by emotional distress or trauma, while epilepsy can be triggered by sleep deprivation, flashing lights, or other physical factors.
Response to Medication
PNES does not respond to epilepsy medication, whereas epileptic seizures are treated with anti-seizure drugs.
Recognizing these differences is important for getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
How to Recognize Anxiety Seizures
Anxiety-induced seizures can present a range of symptoms, including:
- Shaking or convulsions
- Temporary loss of awareness
- Sudden weakness or fainting
- Muscle stiffness or jerking movements
- Rapid breathing or hyperventilation
- Confusion or disorientation
Unlike epileptic seizures, PNES episodes often occur in stressful situations and may last longer. People usually do not experience tongue biting, incontinence, or post-seizure confusion, which are common in epilepsy.
Why do Anxiety Seizures Happen
Several factors contribute to anxiety-induced seizures, including:
1. Chronic Stress
Long-term stress can overwhelm the nervous system, leading to seizure-like episodes. Individuals with high stress levels are more vulnerable to PNES.
2. Trauma and PTSD
People with a history of trauma, abuse, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at higher risk of experiencing non-epileptic seizures. The brain’s response to trauma can take physical forms.
3. Hyperventilation
During panic attacks, rapid breathing lowers carbon dioxide levels in the body, which can cause muscle spasms, dizziness, and seizure-like episodes. Because of these symptoms, some people may feel like panic attacks cause seizures, even though they do not trigger epileptic seizures.
4. Emotional Overload
Strong emotions like fear, grief, or anger can trigger physical responses that resemble seizures, especially in individuals with heightened anxiety.
5. Sleep Deprivation
Lack of sleep can worsen anxiety and increase the likelihood of experiencing stress-induced seizures.
6. Neurological Sensitivity
Some individuals have a lower threshold for stress-related symptoms due to brain chemistry differences.
How Are Anxiety Seizures Diagnosed
Diagnosing stress-induced seizures requires ruling out epilepsy. A neurologist may use:
- An electroencephalogram (EEG) measures brain activity to check for abnormal electrical patterns linked to epilepsy.
- Video EEG monitoring records both brain activity and physical movements to determine whether the seizures are caused by epilepsy or psychological factors.
- A psychological evaluation can assist in detecting stress, trauma, or mental health disorders that may be causing the symptoms.
Proper diagnosis is essential because epilepsy medications do not work for anxiety-induced seizures.
Ways to Control Anxiety Seizures
Treatment focuses on addressing underlying anxiety and stress. Effective strategies include:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Individuals use CBT to identify and change cognitive processes that cause anxiety seizures. Therapy can help reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.
2. Stress Management Techniques
- Mindfulness and meditation are two techniques that can assist control stress and promoting relaxation.
- Breathing exercises prevent hyperventilation and reduce muscle tension, which can lower the risk of seizure-like episodes.
- Progressive muscle relaxation alleviates physical symptoms of anxiety by progressively reducing tension throughout the body.
3. Medication
Although anti-seizure medications do not help with PNES, doctors may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to manage underlying anxiety disorders.
4. Lifestyle Changes
- Regular exercise lowers stress hormones and improves overall well-being.
- Maintaining a healthy sleep routine prevents sleep deprivation, which can trigger seizure-like episodes.
- A well-balanced diet promotes mental health by supplying necessary nutrients that assist manage mood and stress levels.
5. Support Groups and Therapy
Connecting with others going through similar experiences might offer emotional support and coping skills.
Warning Signs That Require a Doctor’s Visit
Seek medical help if you experience seizure-like episodes, especially if they involve:
- Loss of consciousness
- Frequent or prolonged episodes
- Injury during an episode
- Confusion or memory loss afterward
A neurologist and mental health professional can work together to determine the best course of treatment.
Breaking Free From Anxiety Seizures
Anxiety seizures show how stress and mental health affect the body. While they may not stem from brain activity like epilepsy, their reality remains unchanged. Many people ignore stress, but it can lead to serious physical symptoms. The good news is that with therapy, stress management, and lifestyle changes, these episodes can be reduced. Seeking help is about more than simply eliminating seizures; it’s also about improving your overall health.