Video for Veterans on Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures

The VA Epilepsy Centers of Excellence (ECoE) has released the seventh video in its “Veterans and Epilepsy: Basic Training” series. This new video focuses on psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). Also called nonepileptic events, nonepilepsy seizures or pseudoseizures, seizures in PNES are not caused by electrical activity in the brain. They may be associated with psychological conditions or other physical problems.

In the New Video

• Karen, a Navy veteran, and her husband Dan share share their personal story and Karen's journey to manage her PNES
• Hamada Altalib DO, MPH, an attending neurologist at the VAMC West Haven, CT, talks about the differences between psychogenic seizures and seizures in epilepsy
• W. Curt LaFrance Jr, MD, MPH, a neuropsychiatrist with the VAMC Providence, RI, talks about diagnosing PNES
• The video also describes treatment approaches for PNES

About the “Veterans and Epilepsy: Basic Training” Video Series

Each video in the “Veterans and Epilepsy: Basic Training” series features a veteran sharing his or her personal experiences and unique challenges balancing the medical, personal, and social aspects associated with having recurring seizures. The goal of the video series is to promote public awareness of the impact of epilepsy in the lives of veterans and to convey that these patients are able to live full, productive, successful lives. Subsequent videos will be released every few months over the next year and include topics such as epilepsy surgery and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Viewers can also check the YouTube playlist for recent and future videos in this series.

Finding Help

If you or someone you know is a veteran with seizures interested in seeking services at one of the Epilepsy Centers of Excellence, please speak with your local primary care provider or neurologist. Your health care provider will be able to determine if you might benefit from the services provided by the ECoE and assist you with scheduling an appointment.

For more information, please email ECoE@va.gov or visit the VA epilepsy website at www.epilepsy.va.gov.