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(A type of FND; not epileptic seizures)
1) What it is
Functional (dissociative) seizures are episodes where a person may shake, collapse, black out, or lose awareness or control, without epileptic electrical activity in the brain.
They are considered a type of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and are also known as Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD).
The symptoms are real, involuntary, and not faked.
2) What it feels like (real-life examples)
People may say:
- “I lose control of my body.”
- “It’s frightening and exhausting.”
- “I’m scared it will happen in public.”
Many people feel embarrassed, anxious, or constantly on alert between episodes.
3) Common signs & symptoms
- shaking or jerking movements, or going completely still
- blackouts or “blank spells”
- collapse or falls (injuries can occur)
- confusion, headache, or exhaustion afterwards
- episodes triggered by stress, sensations, memories, or overwhelm (varies by person)
4) What causes it / risk factors
Functional seizures are often linked to:
- nervous system overload
- dissociation or trauma responses (not always conscious or remembered)
- anxiety or panic physiology
- chronic stress, pain, or fatigue
They are not caused by epilepsy, though some people may have both conditions.
5) Triggers (what can make it worse)
- stress or conflict
- medical settings (for some people)
- sleep deprivation
- sensory overload
- fear of the next seizure (anticipatory anxiety loop)
6) What helps right now (fast relief tools)
During an episode:
- keep the person safe from injury (move hazards away)
- use a calm voice and reduce crowding
- do not restrain; allow the episode to pass
- time the event if possible
Afterwards:
- offer hydration
- provide a quiet, low-stimulus space
- give reassurance
Seek emergency help if there is injury, breathing difficulty, or a prolonged episode.
7) Longer-term self-help strategies
- learn early warning signs and grounding techniques
- protect sleep and manage pacing
- reduce avoidance with gradual, supported exposure to feared situations
- therapy for triggers or dissociation when relevant
8) Treatment options (what usually helps)
Support usually includes:
- clear specialist diagnosis and explanation
- psychological therapy (often CBT-informed)
- physiotherapy or rehabilitation approaches
- safety and wellbeing planning
NHS Inform provides clear explanations of functional seizures.
9) Medication overview (plain-English)
Anti-seizure medication generally does not treat functional seizures, unless epilepsy is also present.
Treatment focuses on rehabilitation, nervous system regulation, and psychological approaches, guided by clinicians.
10) Daily life tips
- carry a seizure plan card for school or work
- avoid total shutdown of life; aim for graded return to activities
- educate close contacts on how to respond safely and calmly
11) When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent help if there is:
- serious injury
- breathing problems
- a first-ever seizure episode
- prolonged unresponsiveness
- a suicidal crisis
12) Trusted help & resources
Get help (National support)
- Epilepsy Action: functional (dissociative) seizures information
- NHS Inform: functional seizures overview
- NHS Scotland Right Decisions: dissociative seizures guidance
- Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
- Shout: text SHOUT to 85258
