The Difference Between Epilepsy & Non Epileptic Seizures

​By Mel Rose

You may be wondering what the two have in common. To put it simply, they both involve seizures. Now the difference between them is very big and that’s why I wanted to discuss this in today’s article, just to show how crystal clear it is to know the difference and why.

Let’s start with epilepsy. 

Epileptic seizures occur when there are abnormal bursts of electricity in the brain. These bursts disrupt the brain’s normal function and lead to some loss of consciousness or impaired senses

People with epilepsy can experience one of two main types of seizures: generalised or partial.

Generalised seizures
These involve the entire surface of the brain rather than one specific location. They are often genetic and less common in adults.

Partial (or focal) seizures
These start in one specific region of the brain and are more common in adults. Partial seizures can result from:

• Brain injury
  
• Stroke
  
• Brain tumour
  
• Diseases that affect the brain
  

Epileptic seizures show abnormal electrical activity on tests like an EEG. This is usually what helps specialists make a clear diagnosis.

Now, to move on to the non-epileptic seizures, how are they different from epilepsy itself?

When epilepsy and non-epileptic seizures are tested, there is a polygraph is shown when these tests are taking place. Now, to know the difference between the two you will see the line either go up or down like a mountain so this indicates when there are abnormal bursts of electricity in the brain.

Now, if the line were just a straight line with no interruption, then that can lead to doctors looking into non-epileptic seizures.

Instead, they are a manifestation of psychological distress.

I was the unlucky one who got diagnosed with Non-epileptic seizures, and what I mean by that is there is no medication like there is for epilepsy. So, to be honest, it would have made my life so much easier if I had epilepsy, not the other.

Let me give you some examples of why; 

• Not being aware of when the seizure will occur.
  
• Having to be couscous of every step you take, outside or in. 
  
• Not having the medication to help reduce the seizures just puts your life in more danger.
  
• Not being able to do the things you used to, for example, travelling on your own.
  
• It limits you to what you can do and what you want to achieve in your life.
  

Non-epileptic seizures have a range of causes, including:

• Fever
  
• Infection
  
• Electrolyte imbalance
  
• Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol
  
• Extremely low blood sugar
  
• Brain damage from stroke, brain surgery, or head injury
  

But the most important information I came across was that mental health can play a big part in seizures, too. And that’s where my journey with PNES started. 

PNES - Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures
The word psychogenic means the seizures come from psychological factors—often stress, trauma, or emotional overload—rather than electrical activity in the brain.

People with PNES are not faking it. The seizures are very real, very frightening, and just as disruptive as epileptic seizures. The difference is the cause.

PNES can happen because the brain and body become overwhelmed and respond through physical symptoms. Sometimes it’s linked to trauma, anxiety, or long-term stress. Other times, it happens without the person even understanding what the underlying trigger is.

One of the hardest parts about having PNES is navigating the misunderstanding around it. Epilepsy is widely recognised; PNES is often questioned, dismissed, or misunderstood—not just by the public, but sometimes even by medical professionals who are not familiar with it.

Treatment usually involves:

• Therapy (like CBT or trauma-informed therapy)
  

• Understanding your triggers
  

• Building coping strategies
  

• Learning to manage stress and emotional overload
  

And while that sounds simple, anyone with PNES knows it’s anything but simple. It’s a long, emotional journey that requires support, patience, and strength—often more strength than people realise.

Understanding the difference between epilepsy and non-epileptic seizures is important, but so is understanding the people living with them. My journey with PNES has been difficult, but sharing it helps raise awareness and remind others that they’re not alone.

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