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Seizures l: Introduction

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...

Seizures: Classification

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...

Epilepsy ll: Types

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...

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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale

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Published on: July 8, 2025

Psychogenic nonepileptic "seizures" or "attacks"? It's not just semantics: attacks.

Selim R Benbadis¹

¹Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, University of South Florida & Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, USA. sbenbadi@health.usf.edu

|July 7, 2010

Summary

The term "psychogenic nonepileptic seizures" causes confusion, negatively impacting patient understanding and treatment outcomes. Re-evaluating diagnostic terminology is crucial for improving care.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Psychiatry
Clinical Psychology

Background:

The term "psychogenic nonepileptic seizures" (PNES) has been widely adopted in clinical practice.
Despite its prevalence, the use of "seizure" in the diagnosis is increasingly recognized as problematic.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze the semantic and clinical implications of using the word "seizure" in the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.
To highlight how this terminology contributes to patient and family misunderstanding.
To advocate for a re-evaluation of diagnostic labels to improve treatment adherence and outcomes.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies discussing PNES terminology.
Analysis of clinical case examples illustrating diagnostic confusion.
Expert opinion synthesis on the impact of diagnostic language.

Main Results:

The term "seizure" in PNES leads to significant confusion among patients and families.
This confusion impedes accurate understanding of the condition's nature.
Misunderstanding negatively affects patient engagement with and adherence to treatment.

Conclusions:

The current terminology for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures is a barrier to effective patient care.
Revising the diagnostic label is essential for improving patient comprehension and therapeutic success.
Adopting clearer terminology can enhance the multidisciplinary approach to managing PNES.