Remember, trauma lives in the body........ Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), are seizure-like episodes that look and feel like epileptic sei
Remember, trauma lives in the body……..
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), are seizure-like episodes that look and feel like epileptic seizures—but they’re not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Instead, they are psychological in origin, often deeply tied to trauma, especially chronic abuse or unresolved emotional distress.
Why Do They Happen in People With Trauma?
PNES are a form of conversion disorder, where psychological stress or trauma is “converted” into physical symptoms. Survivors of trauma—especially childhood abuse, sexual assault, or prolonged domestic violence—are at much higher risk.
✨ Here’s how trauma plays a role:
Unprocessed trauma lives in the body.
When emotions like terror, helplessness, or grief are too overwhelming to express, the body can release that energy physically.Fight, flight, freeze—or collapse.
PNES may reflect a “freeze” or “collapse” response to deep distress—especially when talking, crying, or even screaming no longer feel possible or safe.The nervous system becomes dysregulated.
Survivors often have overactive nervous systems. PNES may occur when the body is hyper-aroused or, conversely, completely shuts down from too much emotional overload.
💡 It’s Not “All in Their Head”
PNES are real and painful. People often feel confused, ashamed, or even accused of faking. That’s why a compassionate, trauma-informed approach is vital.
🧭 What Helps?
Validation and understanding (especially from doctors and therapists)
Trauma-informed therapy like:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Somatic Experiencing
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for trauma
Safety and stability in everyday life
Stress-reduction techniques (grounding, mindfulness, breathwork)
Medical care that acknowledges the whole person, not just symptoms
🌿 Final Truth:
Pseudoseizures are not signs of weakness or drama.
They are signs of survival.
They are the body’s desperate language when words won’t come.
If you or someone you love experiences these episodes, know this: Healing is possible. You are not broken. You are speaking in the language trauma gave you—and with the right care, you can learn new ways to speak, live, and thrive.
