Can Stress Cause Seizures?

Can Stress Cause Seizures

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Stress can cause seizures known as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Unlike neurological seizures caused by conditions like epilepsy, PNES are triggered by psychological factors such as stress and anxiety. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between stress and PNES, their symptoms, and available treatments.

The Connection Between Stress and Seizures

A seizure occurs when there’s a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, causing various physical and mental changes. While epileptic seizures are often linked to triggers such as stress, their exact relationship remains unclear. Stress affects individuals differently, making it challenging to determine how often it triggers seizures.

For people without epilepsy, chronic stress and anxiety can lead to PNES, which are psychiatric in nature. PNES are not caused by abnormal brain activity but by the body’s response to overwhelming stress or emotional trauma.

Understanding Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES)

PNES are a type of functional neurological disorder, previously known as pseudoseizures. They occur when emotional stress manifests as physical symptoms without an underlying medical condition. PNES often affect individuals dealing with significant stress, anxiety, trauma, or personality disorders.

Symptoms of PNES

PNES can resemble neurological seizures, but there are notable differences:

  • Shared Symptoms:
    • Loss of awareness
    • Loss of body control
    • Flailing or thrashing
    • Head arching
    • Tongue biting
  • Unique Symptoms:
    • Side-to-side head movements
    • Nonsynchronized body movements
    • Closed or fluttering eyes
    • Crying during episodes
    • Memory problems

PNES episodes tend to appear gradually and last longer than neurological seizures.

 

Can a Panic Attack Cause a Seizure?

Panic attacks, which are intense episodes of anxiety, can mimic some symptoms of seizures but are not a known cause of neurological seizures in people without epilepsy. However, panic attacks may trigger PNES in some individuals. 

Symptoms of Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can include:

  • Feelings of panic or dread
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Disconnection from reality

Panic attacks typically come on suddenly and subside within minutes, whereas PNES episodes develop more gradually and last longer.

Xanax (alprazolam) is a fast-acting benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by calming the nervous system. 

Diagnosis of PNES

Diagnosing PNES requires specialized tests to differentiate them from neurological seizures. These may include:

  • Video-electroencephalography (vEEG): This monitors brain activity and physical symptoms simultaneously.
  • Seizure Analysis: Observing seizures to check for abnormal brain activity.
  • CT or MRI Imaging: Ruling out other medical conditions.
  • Psychological Testing: Identifying underlying psychological factors.

Treating PNES

Because PNES stem from psychological causes, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying stress and anxiety. Common approaches include:

Psychotherapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals manage stressful thoughts and reduce PNES episodes.
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy: Beneficial for those with trauma-related disorders.

Medications

Antiepileptic drugs are not effective for PNES. Instead, healthcare professionals may prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to manage anxiety and reduce PNES frequency, especially when combined with therapy.

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Recommendations include:

  • Prioritizing sleep
  • Maintaining a balanced diet
  • Engaging in regular exercise
  • Practicing mindfulness techniques like yoga or meditation

The Bottom Line

While stress is unlikely to cause neurological seizures in people without epilepsy, it can trigger PNES in individuals with underlying mental health conditions. Addressing the psychological causes of PNES through therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can help reduce or eliminate episodes. If you suspect you’ve experienced PNES, consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

 

FAQ on Stress and Seizures

1. Can stress cause seizures?

Yes, stress can cause psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), which are triggered by psychological factors rather than abnormal brain activity.

2. What are PNES?

PNES are seizures caused by emotional stress or trauma and are classified as a functional neurological disorder. They mimic epileptic seizures but are psychiatric in nature.

3. How do PNES differ from epileptic seizures?

  • PNES Symptoms: Gradual onset, nonsynchronized movements, closed eyes, crying, and longer duration.
  • Epileptic Seizures: Caused by abnormal brain activity, often involving synchronized physical movements and a sudden onset.

4. Can panic attacks trigger seizures?

Panic attacks can mimic seizures but do not cause neurological seizures. They may trigger PNES in some individuals.

5. How is PNES diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves:

  • Video-electroencephalography (vEEG)
  • Brain imaging (CT or MRI)
  • Psychological testing

 

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