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I had one on Weds at work when I was working had headset on, people talking on it, then never heard him until "Excuse me" I screamed & jumped at the same time turning around to find IT man looking for Manager. This set my Non-E/S off i sat down & started to breathe even had to lay down & grab a dog bed for my head & keep doing breathing exercises to release all tension cause if I dont it can get so out of hand & end up in hosp as it goes in2 a seizure. I know where this came from but it happens… read more

June 19
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MyEpilepsyTeam

What a stressful experience β€” being startled like that at work, especially when you're already managing so much, sounds genuinely exhausting. You're definitely not alone in this. Many MyEpilepsyTeam members describe how sudden triggers like unexpected sounds or being startled can set off non-epileptic seizures, particularly Show Full Answer

What a stressful experience β€” being startled like that at work, especially when you're already managing so much, sounds genuinely exhausting. You're definitely not alone in this. Many MyEpilepsyTeam members describe how sudden triggers like unexpected sounds or being startled can set off non-epileptic seizures, particularly when anxiety is already running high.

The fact that you already have a response plan β€” sitting down, breathing exercises, lying down to release tension β€” shows real self-awareness and strength. That kind of grounding technique is actually one of the most recommended approaches. Here are some strategies that may help manage these episodes:

- Breathing exercises β€” you're already doing this, which is great. Slow, deep belly breathing can help calm the nervous system
- Stress management β€” practices like meditation or mindfulness can reduce overall anxiety levels over time
- Identify your triggers β€” keeping a journal of what happened before each episode can reveal patterns
- Talk therapy (CBT) β€” cognitive behavioral therapy is specifically recommended for non-epileptic seizures and can be very effective
- Regular sleep β€” poor sleep can make both anxiety and seizures worse
- Talk to your doctor β€” they may be able to refer you to a psychologist or counselor who specializes in this area

It may also be worth having a quiet word with your workplace about your condition so colleagues can help reduce unexpected startles where possible.

June 19
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

If I read your message correctly...
You were wearing a headset prior to your episode... then you heard the people talking and moving around you later?
The seizure in itself may not have caused your anxiety... but a system that happens sometimes after having one. This is called, " aphasia".
When you wake up from a seizure. Sometimes a person can be in a state of mind where they don't understand what is going on around them. I know when I experience aphasia, I'll hear people but won't necessarily be able to understand what they're saying to me or even doing around me (similar to symptoms of a person who is drunk or on drugs "not completely with it"). Basically your brain is taking its time to reconnect itself after the shock it just had.
DON'T WORRY... aphasia goes away fairly quickly! I know it can be scary to not understand what is happening, but stressing about it will only prolong the process! If you can manage to stay calm... you'll get through it faster.
I hope this helps. There really wasn't a lot to go on there about the seizure itself to give a specific opinion.
Try to stay calm! Stress ALWAYS makes the seizure worse! Good luck.

June 20

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