How Can You Tell The Difference When Having A PNES Episode Or Focal Awareness Seizure? I Have Both | MyEpilepsyTeam

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How Can You Tell The Difference When Having A PNES Episode Or Focal Awareness Seizure? I Have Both
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
posted February 24
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Great question because tbh it's something that can be very hard to work out without having a eeg test. They can look pretty much the same. As you have both this would make it harder to spot what was what.

posted February 25
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

It's still a struggle sometimes telling the difference between the two.
Even doctors don't always know unless they do the testing. Always ask for second opinions and get your insurance providers Care team involved to help with getting resources. They can make all the difference when it comes to getting the right providers to the right testing and other options that may be necessary for your care that you may not have thought of.
Mental health is also just as important in the world of seizure disorders of all types, because of the stress from what others put us through by telling us that we don't really have seizures or that we can control our seizures. It can get really tiring and wear you down emotionally. Never be afraid to get help.
More people with seizure disorders commit suicide each day just because they are told they could control their own seizures. Seizures are not the fault of a person having them and they need to be taken more serious. I'm getting tired of being sent home from the emergency room with doctors saying that they can not do anything for me and that I can just stop my seizures if I really wanted to .
Something more has to be done. All hospitals should be trained and have the equipment to be able to do MIR'S to for all types of care needs. Our medical system seems to be going backwards instead of forwards into the technology future and they are leaving the pour and people who are disabled behind.

posted February 25
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Great question, I'm hoping when I meet with neuropsych Dr she can help me recognize the difference between the two as well. I meet with her in 2 weeks. I have focal seizures as well, and diagnosed with PNES last month. To me I can't tell which is an actual seizure or PNES seizure. Ever want to chat, I'd love to about PNES. Still learning more about it than what my dr told me which was very helpful already. I hope you don't mind I added you to my team.

posted February 24

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