What are pseudoseizures?

Pseudoseizures, also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), are characterized by sudden and unexpected changes in behavior that resemble epileptic seizures but do not have a neurological origin. Instead, they are typically associated with emotional distress or psychological factors. This means that while the movements and symptoms may appear similar to those of a seizure, the underlying cause is not due to abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, which distinguishes them from true epileptic seizures.

The concept of pseudoseizures emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychological and emotional factors that can manifest physically. This distinction is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as individuals experiencing pseudoseizures may require psychological support rather than anticonvulsant therapy, which is used for true epileptic seizures.

In contrast, the other options refer to conditions that do not accurately describe pseudoseizures. For instance, fits caused by viral infections would relate more to febrile seizures or infections affecting the central nervous system, while seizures resulting from spinal cord inflammation would pertain to other neurological disorders. Additionally, the presence of a postictal period is a characteristic of true epileptic seizures, signifying the recovery phase following a seizure, which is not applicable to pseudose