Many different names are used for dissociative seizures. We have chosen the name used in the international classification of diseases. Other commonly used names are non-epileptic attack disorder or non-epileptic seizures.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom however some people are unhappy to have a diagnosis that is ‘not’ something. Other names that are used for the same condition are:

It’s very important to get the right diagnosis.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom this is because if you’re wrongly diagnosed with epilepsy instead of dissociative seizures, the doctor will probably prescribe you epilepsy medicines.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom these can have side-effects and will not control your dissociative seizures. Being on these medicines also means that the true cause of your seizures may never be investigated or treated.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

If you have been prescribed epilepsy medicine and you don’t have good seizure control you could ask to be referred to a specialist epilepsy centre for assessment.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom you would need to ask either your neurologist or your family doctor. You could have a type of epilepsy that doesn’t respond well to epilepsy medicines.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom this is sometimes called intractable or refractory epilepsy. Or you could have dissociative seizures and that’s the reason why you aren’t responding to epilepsy medicines.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Some people have both epilepsy and dissociative seizures. Mostly dissociative seizures start a while after the epileptic ones (and possibly once the epileptic ones have stopped).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom occasionally people can have both types of seizures at the same time. If you think you may have both types of seizures you could talk to your consultant.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom how can you tell the difference between epilepsy and dissociative seizures?

One of the ways in which a professional will tell the difference between dissociative seizures and epilepsy, is from an electroencephalogram (EEG).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom this picks up and records the electrical activity in the brain. If someone is having an epileptic seizure, an EEG will usually show abnormal electrical activity.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom if someone is having a dissociative seizure, an EEG will not show abnormal electrical activity.

Dissociative seizures happen for psychological reasons rather than physical ones.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom often dissociative seizures are how the brain reacts to thoughts or feelings related to present and past experiences. This is different from epilepsy.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom epileptic seizures happen because of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. I have just been told I have dissociative seizures. What do I do now?Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

It can be really tough to be told you have dissociative seizures. This is especially true if you’ve spent years thinking you have epilepsy, and you’ve been trying to adapt to that.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom it’s quite usual for it to take time to understand the new diagnosis. Also, if the diagnosis of dissociative seizures is not explained well, it can sound like the doctor is saying you don’t have a real health condition, or that you are ‘putting it on.’ this is not true.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom dissociative seizures are a real medical condition. And the dissociative seizures you experience can be just as disruptive and unsettling as epileptic seizures.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom you’ll need the support of friends, family and medical people during this time of adjustment. If you have been diagnosed with dissociative seizures you could ask the consultant for a referral to a talking therapy.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in some parts of the country this could be a psychologist. What is the treatment for dissociative seizures?

If you have dissociative seizures, epilepsy medicine won’t work for you.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom but don’t stop taking the medicine suddenly because this may be dangerous for you. Your doctor will tell you the right speed to do this at. Often just getting a correct diagnosis and understanding a bit more about your seizures can mean that they start to happen less often.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

You may feel you’ve been dismissed with no offer of treatment. But something you could do without the help of a doctor is look at the NHS website.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom it describes the various types of therapies you may want to think about. And the IAPT service (improving access to psychological therapies) links you to the resources in your area.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom there are likely to be waiting lists for any of these services, so the sooner you make contact with them the better.

This website has been set up by people with non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD) to provide information and support for those with NEAD/dissociative seizures and their family and friends.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the medical information has been checked and approved by a medical advisor, professor markus reuber, who specialises in non-epileptic attack disorder/dissociative seizures.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom it has a wide range of very useful information.