You think I am faking. Its all in all in my head. So no its not. The doctor just told me I have PNES. He just handed me a ton of papers and gave me in detail what it is. You tell me I am faking and wanting attention as i sit here and shake. I cant stop my hand, I cant stop my eyes rolling back, I can not stop any of my bodies functions. I have gone in and out the hospital for years with no answers except that i just need to stop wasting Er time. I have been shamed by many nurses and doctors, and many other people and the looks I get are horrible. I finally get an answer. What is PNES you ask? PNES is: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are events resembling an epileptic seizure, but without the characteristic electrical discharges associated with epilepsy.  PNES are also known less specifically as non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD) and functional neurological symptom disorder. You may be wondering what can cause PNES? Pseudoseizures, also called psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), are seizures that occur as a result of psychological causes, such as severe mental stress. Treating the underlying psychological cause can often help to reduce the number of seizures or prevent them happening.

HOW TO DEAL WITH PNES

-LEARN YOUR TRIGGERS-
When you know your triggers, you can make small changes to avoid them or be prepared for them . If you can RECORD your seizure even if its a video camera set up to motion in your home so if you can catch one on video you can show your doctor.

-Let IT OUT-
Talk about seizures and your feelings about them with those you spend your time with. Talking to a therapist about your feelings and experiences can also be helpful. Because PNES is believed to be related to emotional trauma or stressors, Having a counselor and good friends to talk to and writing in a journal can be great.

-BE SOCIAL-
Don’t allow your seizures to force you into isolation. It’s important to continue living your life in order to make a great recovery. This will take explaining PNES to friends or even acquaintances; however, it’s more likely that you may never recover if you isolate yourself.

-LOOK FOR SOLUTIONS-
Do not downplay your symptoms , it’s important to look for solutions to triggers, rather than trying to avoid them. Always make sure those know how to care if a PNES episode happens. If you know that you are triggered by crowded places, you may find yourself becoming isolated to avoid these triggers. It’s better to gradually work your way up to normal social interaction rather than turning away completely.

-Practice Grounding Techniques-
Learn how to utilize sensory grounding techniques. This practice helps relieve the feelings of panic associated with seizures. How do you ground yourself.

-RELAX-
 Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures are more likely to occur if you are tensed or stressed. Check your shoulders and facial muscles for tension, and try to relax them. Also try listening to relaxation audio recordings, or finding a relaxing practice such as yoga or meditation. Take a relaxing bath at end of the day or even in middle of the day.

-Deep Breathing-
Abdominal breathing deep in your belly is calming. Just before a seizure, many people with PNES have difficult or shallow breathing. Master abdominal breathing to help shorten seizures and reduce other symptoms like dizziness. Do this by sitting with a hand just below your naval; breathe in through your nose, feeling your hand move outward as your stomach expands. Count to three, then breathe out and relax your stomach.

-THINK CALM-
If there is a place or a memory where you feel calm and happy, teach yourself to think of this place or memory. Bring yourelf to your happy place and breath.

-AVOID UNNECESSARY STRESS-
Avoid the unnecessary stress of constant ER visits. Unless nonepileptic seizures are accompanied by other symptoms, they aren’t considered medically dangerous. Over-medicating, or causing more stress with constant ER visits, can make seizures worse. If you think your being over medicated talk to your doctor I have found it best to have 2-3 seizure doctors.

-LEARN TO SAY NO-
 Clear your schedule. You may need to delegate old tasks that you used to handle for everyone, or say no to requests for extra help or time. Pare your schedule down to the essentials so that you can take some time for self-care on a regular basis.

-TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF PLAN A FUN DAY (or weekend or week)-
 Clear your schedule for a day or two or week and plan a vacation once and awhile (best every 6 months when you can save and take the time off and everyone’s aware) family or good friend to go with. Make sure you have all the medications you need and extra just in case. Make sure you have your med list and take little extra just in case. Remember its a few nights to get away from day to day life and relax doesn’t have to be extremely expensive just relax.