PTSD Seizures: 6 Dangers No One Talks About

Understanding PTSD Seizures

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event. While many associate PTSD with flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional distress, some individuals experience seizures. These seizures may not involve abnormal brain activity and often resemble epileptic seizures. They are frequently referred to as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES).Definition and Overview of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder develops after a person goes through a traumatic experience, such as sexual assault, physical abuse, or combat exposure. The condition affects mood, thoughts, and behavior, leading to anxiety, avoidance behavior, and hyperarousal.

PTSD can be triggered by early-life stress, head injuries, or sexual violence. People with PTSD often live with intense emotional and physical symptoms that disrupt their quality of life.

Types of Seizures: Epileptic vs. Non-Epileptic

There are two main types of seizures: epileptic and non-epileptic. Epileptic seizures are caused by electrical discharges in the brain. They often involve loss of consciousness, convulsions, or unusual eye movements.

Non-epileptic seizures do not involve abnormal electrical activity. Instead, they result from psychological factors like stress or trauma. Differentiating between the two requires careful examination by a healthcare team.

Introduction to Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are also called dissociative seizures or functional seizures. They look similar to epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal brain activity. Instead, they are believed to be a defense mechanism against unresolved trauma.

PNES is a common type of seizure in individuals with psychiatric comorbidities, such as personality disorders, dissociative disorders, or PTSD. Many patients with epilepsy may also experience PNES.

The Connection Between PTSD and Seizures

The relationship between PTSD and seizures is a complex one. A history of sexual abuse, traumatic brain injury, or severe emotional stress increases the risk of seizures. PTSD-related seizures are typically self-reported stress-precipitated seizures.

Both epileptic seizures and PNES may be triggered by traumatic experiences. The emotional distress from PTSD can create physical symptoms that resemble neurological disorders.

Theories Linking PTSD to Seizures

One theory suggests that PTSD-induced seizures result from dissociative symptoms and unresolved trauma. The brain, under emotional stress, may mimic seizure activity as a coping mechanism.

Another theory points to epigenetic mechanisms influenced by trauma. These changes may increase a person’s susceptibility to seizures, especially in those with a history of epilepsy or depressive symptoms.

Role of Trauma in Seizure Occurrence

Seizures in individuals with PTSD often follow traumatic life events. Sexual assault trauma, combat stress, or childhood abuse may trigger these episodes. PNES may appear long after the trauma but are deeply connected to unresolved emotions.

Trauma in patients with seizures is often underreported, making diagnosis more difficult. Negative life events play a central role in the development of seizures without neurological causes.

Psychological Factors Contributing to Seizures

Psychological distress, avoidance behavior, and feelings of shame can all lead to seizure-like activity. Many individuals with PTSD also experience anxiety among patients, especially when recalling trauma.

Some seizures may be linked to anticipatory anxiety, a state where the fear of having a seizure increases its likelihood. This cycle creates further distress in everyday life.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Common Symptoms of PTSD-Related Seizures

PTSD-related seizures can include loss of consciousness, limb shaking, automatic behaviors, or blank stares. Unlike epileptic seizures, individuals may retain partial awareness during episodes.

These seizures may last longer and be more frequent during times of emotional stress. Episodes can lead to injuries, confusion, and embarrassment.

Challenges in Diagnosing PNES

Diagnosing PNES is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with epileptic seizures. Medical history, trauma assessment, and video EEG monitoring are often required to confirm the diagnosis.

A major challenge is distinguishing between psychiatric disorder symptoms and neurological disorders. Many patients receive antiepileptic drugs before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

Differentiating Between Epileptic and Non-Epileptic Seizures

Unlike epileptic seizures, PNES do not result from an electrical disturbance in the brain. EEG tests can detect electrical discharges, helping clinicians rule out epilepsy in individuals.

Awareness during seizures, episode duration, and reaction to stimuli may also help differentiate seizure types. Proper classification improves treatment outcomes.

Treatment Options

Medications for Managing Symptoms

Although anti-seizure medications are not effective for PNES, anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants may reduce emotional symptoms. These medications support patients with psychiatric conditions and PTSD.

Some individuals may also have drug-resistant epilepsy, requiring specialized care. Medication plans must be tailored by mental health professionals.

Therapeutic Interventions for PTSD and Seizures

Behavioral therapy and exposure therapy can help reduce PTSD symptoms and seizure episodes. Treatments like eye movement desensitization (EMDR) are often used to target traumatic memories.

Therapies that address psychological factors—including depression in epilepsy and emotional stress—can significantly improve outcomes. At Treat MH California, our integrated therapy model addresses both mental and physical symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes and Coping Strategies

Coping strategies include stress management, regular sleep, and avoiding known triggers. Patients benefit from building support systems to reduce social isolation.

Tracking seizures and emotional states in a journal helps identify patterns. Mindfulness, exercise, and avoiding stimulants are also part of effective treatment.

Impact of PTSD-Related Seizures

Effects on Daily Life and Work

PTSD-related seizures can disrupt daily routines, relationships, and employment. Episodes may cause fear, embarrassment, and reduced independence.

Patients often face financial relationships due to lost workdays or medical costs. This stress can worsen mental health and increase the anxiety of seizures.

The Veteran Experience and Special Considerations

Veterans with combat trauma face a higher risk of PTSD and development of seizures. PTSD-induced seizures in this group are often linked to traumatic brain injury and intense life trauma.

Many veterans report experiencing seizures after deployment. The VA and healthcare providers continue to explore better diagnostic tools for these individuals.

Importance of Seeking Professional Help

Seeking early intervention from a healthcare professional improves outcomes. Misdiagnosing PNES as epilepsy can lead to ineffective treatment and unnecessary medication.

At Treat MH California, we encourage anyone experiencing unusual seizure symptoms to consult a specialist. A full diagnosis of PTSD, psychiatric screening, and trauma history are key.

Societal Perspectives and Stigma

Addressing Stigmas Around Psychiatric Disorders

Stigma remains a barrier for people living with psychiatric disorders. Seizures tied to trauma are often misunderstood or dismissed as attention-seeking.

Raising awareness can reduce feelings of shame and improve support for those with mental disorders. Education on PNES and PTSD is essential for changing public attitudes.

Enhancing Awareness and Understanding

Clinicians must consider the factor structure of trauma when treating patients with seizures. A previous study showed many patients had been misdiagnosed for years.

Enhancing awareness can improve diagnosis and reduce diagnostic threshold errors. Healthcare teams should also receive training on how to treat functional seizures in trauma survivors.

Future Directions in Research

Current Research Developments

New studies explore the localization of seizures and how PTSD may alter brain function. Some animal studies investigate how epigenetic mechanisms change brain responses after trauma.

Emerging tools aim to better classify dissociative seizures using neurophysiological data. These findings will improve treatment strategies and diagnostic accuracy.

The Need for Ongoing Studies

Further research is needed to explore how PTSD influences epilepsy onset, and how to prevent traumatic seizure development. The role of psychological comorbidities in seizure disorders is still evolving.

Long-term studies will help understand the links between trauma and seizure symptoms. As we learn more, Treat MH California remains committed to advancing care for trauma-affected individuals.

If you or someone you know is experiencing PTSD-related symptoms or seizures, reach out to our team at Treat MH California. Our evidence-based mental health treatment programs address trauma at its source. We provide support for individuals with PTSD, seizure-like symptoms, and co-occurring conditions. Let us help you reclaim your health and stability.