PTSD and Seizures

Can Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Cause Seizures?

Table of Contents

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is most often associated with symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance. PTSD and trauma can create a great deal of stress that affects the body and mind in unexpected ways. Some of them can be frightening, like seizures.

So, can post-traumatic stress disorder cause seizures? You might want to know after having seizure-like symptoms yourself as a person with PTSD. Or, it might’ve happened to someone you know.

This article will discuss the connection between PTSD and seizures and how Purpose Healing Center can help. Our trauma-informed mental health professionals in Arizona are here to support you through the healing process, no matter what it takes.

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Can PTSD Cause Seizures?

The short answer is “yes.” PTSD can cause or contribute to seizures. But, there are a couple of different ways this can happen.

It is indeed possible for mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder to trigger seizures orseizure-like activity. This is true even for those without a pre-existing seizure disorder. Trauma-related seizures can end with proper treatment.

Alternatively, those with existing seizure disorders might experience an increase in seizure activity resulting from trauma or PTSD.

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizure (PNES) and Mental Health

What are Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures?

First, let’s talk about non-epileptic seizures. There is a type of seizure called psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Also referred to as functional seizures, they involve signs and symptoms of seizures that resemble epileptic seizures. This makes it hard to differentiate the two if you only see the external symptoms.

Frequently, PNES is misdiagnosed as epilepsy for this reason. However, the two are not the same. Here is the main difference: Epilepsy is caused by abnormal brain activity, but PNEs are an involuntary response to psychological distress. Both are involuntary.

Understanding the non-voluntary nature of PNES is important. Just because the brain activity is not the same as it is in an epileptic seizure does not mean that the person is bringing seizures upon themselves in any way.

What are the Symptoms of PNES?

Much like seizures seen in patients with epilepsy, a person who has PNES can experience ranging symptoms. With that in mind, PNES symptoms can include but aren’t limited to the following.

Out-of-phase limb movements.
Eyes-closed unresponsiveness.
Confusion and lack of awareness.
Rapid side-to-side head movements.
Convulsions withmaintained awareness.
Loss of control over physical movements.
Numbness or tingling sensations in the body.
Full-body shaking, which can last for 10 minutes or more.
Emotional outbursts, which may involve crying, laughing, or yelling.
Trouble speaking or understanding others when they speak.
Difficulty controlling bowel movements.
Loss of bladder control.
Burning sensations.
Pelvic thrusting.

After a seizure, you may not feel well. As your brain recovers, you might notice dizziness, soreness, or a headache. Other symptoms, like nausea, fatigue, or being slow to respond, are also common after a seizure. Letting yourself rest can help. If it’s your or your loved one’s first seizure, you should always seek medical attention.

Mental Health Effects of Seizures

Having a seizure can be jarring whether you do or don’t know the cause. Repeated seizures, too, can take a toll on your mental health. Both in PNES and epilepsy, there can be negative effects on a person’s emotional well-being.

You might start to feel anxious due to a lack of control over seizures, not knowing when they’ll happen. Some people feel depressed or have trouble socializing due to the fear of future seizures, similar to panic attacks.

Even though it can feel isolating, seizures aren’t rare. About one in 10 will have a seizure at some point in their life. It’s important to get support for the mental health effects you experience in relation to seizure activity. If this is something you’re going through, our team is here to help.

The Impact of PTSD on Existing Seizure Disorders

PTSD and Seizures: How One Affects the Other

S tress is a frequent self-reported trigger for people who have epileptic seizures. When you’re stressed out, you may have trouble with sleep or self-care. This might make managing seizures more challenging. PTSD can contribute to sleep problems and trouble with self-care too, so that is something to keep in mind.

As for whether there’s a correlation between PTSD and epilepsy, there most certainly is. Statistics show that 20 to 30% of people with epilepsy have some form of psychiatric comorbidities, which can include PTSD.

Having epilepsy makes you approximately three times as likely to develop PTSD compared to the general population. According to a meta analysis publishing 2024, the overall prevalence of PTSD in epilepsy patients is about 18%. To compare, the general population has a 6% lifetime risk of PTSD.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Seizures and PTSD

The ideal treatment for your seizures depends on factors like the cause and how your body responds to the treatments you try. Usually, the first step toward appropriate treatment is to get an accurate diagnosis.

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Identifying Functional Seizures vs Seizure Disorders

To differentiate PNES from epilepsy onset, your healthcare provider will likely order a type of test called an electroencephalogram (EEG). The purpose of an EEG is to look at your brain activity and function. Upon seeing your brain activity, they’ll be able to determine whether you have a seizure disorder or are experiencing functional seizures.

Epilepsy will be indicated if the EEG shows abnormal brain activity. Functional seizures will show “normal” or standard brain activity. Again, this doesn’t mean that nothing‘s wrong. In fact, like other severe PTSD symptoms, it shows that there’s a need to seek medical attention.

Diagnosing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). To be diagnosed with PTSD, you must experience the following alongside other criteria for at least one month.

At least one avoidance symptom: avoiding external reminders of a traumatic event (e.g., people, places, or things) or avoidance of feelings and thoughts related to the event.
At least two mood and cognition symptoms: difficulty experiencing positive emotions, negative thoughts about yourself or the world, exaggerated feelings of blame, persistent negative emotions, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, or feelings of social isolation.
At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms: hypervigilance, trouble concentrating, insomnia, irritability or angry outbursts, and reckless, risky, or self-destructive behaviors.
At least one re-experiencing symptom: flashbacks, repeated memories or nightmares, physical symptoms, or distressing thoughts.

Medical and mental health professionals usually diagnose PTSD through a verbal screening. You might also be asked to fill out a written PTSD questionnaire.

Treating PNES vs Seizure Disorders

Both PNES and seizure disorders can be treated successfully. Once you know the root cause of your seizures, here are the treatments a medical professional might consider.

Evidence-Based Treatments for PNES

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in treating PNES. Although it will be adjusted to target a person’s symptoms, CBT is also a well-known treatment for diverse psychiatric conditions. For example, anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder), depressive disorders, and PTSD.

Some people benefit most from combined therapy and medication to treat PNES and the underlying causes. Usually, this will be an antidepressant. Research shows that CBT alone or CBT combined with medication can help with PNES.

Treating Seizure Disorders

Part of why properly diagnosing a seizure disorder matters is that they are treated differently than PNES. If you have a seizure disorder, you will likely benefit most from anticonvulsant medications. Standard medication treatments for epilepsy include but aren’t limited to:

Tegretol (carbamazepine).
Keppra (levetiracetam).
Gabapentin (neurontin).
Trileptal (oxcarbazepine).

If you get diagnosed with epilepsy, your neurologist will work with you to find the most optimal treatment approach. Like with any other medical condition, epilepsy treatment can take trial and error. Similarly, some people will need to switch medications as they age or as their circumstances change.

Treating Co-Occurring Epilepsy and PTSD

We always want to make sure that people with co-occurring epilepsy and PTSD have the care they need. Taking care of every aspect of your well-being matters when you are working to manage a seizure disorder. And, everyone with PTSD deserves to overcome it.

Both conditions can be tough to live with. Even if PTSD had no impact on your seizures, it can affect nearly every aspect of your life.

Other Treatments for PNES and Seizure Disorders

Stress management is valuable for people with PNES, PTSD, and seizure disorders alike. We help clients manage life stress as part of treatment, since chronic stress is a known trigger for mental disorders and other concerns that can affect your well-being.

If you’ve got drug-resistant epilepsy, finding the right approach to treatment can be a bit harder. Seeing a specialist who can provide further testing, review your medical history, and explore alternative treatment options can help. For example, surgery and seizure devices.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment in Arizona

Purpose Healing Center offers effective PTSD treatment. Our team of trauma-informed mental health professionals will help you or your loved one find real relief from the mental and physical symptoms of PTSD and related disorders.

As part of our commitment to individualized care, every Purpose Healing Center client gets an individualized treatment plan.

Types of Therapy

We use a combination of evidence-based therapies and complementary treatments for psychiatric disorders. Purpose Healing Center offers extensive therapies used for PTSD and related disorders. These may include, but are not limited to:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Experiential therapy (e.g., art therapy, body movement).
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET).
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy.
Life skills.

Managing PTSD symptoms can also involve medication for some people. Purpose Healing Center offers medication management for mental health and addiction as needed. We can also make changes to existing medications if they’re not working for you.

Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Options

We have two locations: Purpose Healing Center Phoenix and Purpose Healing Center Scottsdale. Both offer a full continuum of care for addiction and mental health. Treatment options available at our facilities include:

Medical detox (for clients with co-occurring substance abuse).
Residential inpatient treatment.
Partial hospitalization program.
Intensive outpatient program.
Outpatient program.

Some clients participate in just one level of care (e.g., a mental health intensive outpatient program). Others will participate in multiple levels of care as part of a step-down approach. Before you are done with treatment, we’ll help you make an aftercare plan that supports your ongoing success and trauma recovery.

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Comprehensive PTSD Treatment at Purpose Healing Center

Purpose Healing Center is a trusted name in post-traumatic stress disorder treatment. We provide mental health, addiction, and dual-diagnosis services in Arizona. Our programs welcome people coming from in and out of state. We accept most forms of insurance and other payment methods to help individuals and their families cover treatment costs.

To learn more about how Purpose Healing Center can help you or your loved one struggling with PTSD and seizures, please call our admissions line today.

Our caring staff are here to answer your questions or explain the intake process, so make the confidential call now.

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FAQs Regarding PTSD and Seizures

What do PTSD seizures look like?

PTSD seizures closely resemble epileptic seizures. Symptoms can include but aren’t limited to:

Episodes of full-body shaking.
Out-of-synch limb movements.
Rapid head movements.
Pelvic thrusting.

When we say, “PTSD seizure,” we’re referring to functional seizures or PNES. You may be unconscious or conscious when experiencing PNES.

Are dissociative seizures and PTSD seizures the same?

Yes. Dissociative seizures are another name for functional seizures or PNES. They can occur in people with PTSD and other conditions, like GAD.

Can PTSD cause you to have seizures?

Yes, PTSD can cause you to have seizures or seizure activity. The good news is that treating PTSD-related seizures is possible.

What are the triggers of seizures?

Triggers of seizures can include but aren’t limited to:

Physical stress, like an injury or illness.
Emotional stress, like trauma.
Consuming alcohol and other drugs.
Withdrawals from drugs and alcohol.
Lack of sleep.
Flashing lights.
Caffeine.

Although seizures can be random, some people notice patterns that point to increased seizure activity. When possible, avoiding seizure triggers can aid symptom management.

Can you get seizures from a traumatic brain injury?

Yes. You can develop epilepsy due to traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is called post-traumatic epilepsy or PTE. Most people with PTE can return to normal activities with treatment.

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