What are non-epileptic attacks?

Many different words are used for Non-Epileptic Attacks (NEAs). The more commonly used terms include non-epileptic seizures, non-epileptic events, dissociative seizures, pseudo seizures, pseudoepileptic seizures, psychogenic seizures, functional seizures, or conversion seizure.

Some of these names can be offensive, none are perfect. Having so many different names for the same condition can be very confusing. However, all names describe the same thing: attacks, which look similar to epileptic seizures, but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain (epileptic activity).

Like epileptic seizures, NEAs can cause blacking out, collapsing, injuries and loss of bladder control. NEAs are not consciously produced to achieve something.

Click here for information about how common non-epileptic attack disorder is.