Hours-long non epileptic seizures

I’m a licensed clinical social worker and certified rehabilitation counselor as well as a person with epilepsy. I have experience treating people with non-epileptic events become completely free of their symptoms. It sounds like you have risk factors for both epilepsy and PNES, but the events that you describe, like you said are not typical of a seizure. This doesn’t mean that you don’t have epilepsy, which is why they want to do what I understand is likely an extended VEEG to better understand your symptoms and give you a definitive diagnosis. The approach that I often take with clients though is simple: many doctors don’t understand our seizures and whether a person’s seizures are psychological or not doesn’t matter to me because research shows psychotherapy can improve a person’s physical and mental health especially when there is an emphasis on resolving unconscious anger through forgiveness. Here is a website dedicated to PNES, which even includes a link to a documentary of others and their experiences https://nonepilepticseizures.com/. While I personally disagree with just treating symptoms with a cognitive-behavioral approach or behavioral therapy like this website suggests and many of those that claim to specialize in PNES or specific diagnoses, my patients have long lasting effects because I come from a self-awareness and self-discovery approach that clients learn to apply to new situations rather than just one symptom that pops up and needs to be extinguished one at a time. Someone from the Epilepsy Foundation will probably reply to you during the week with more resources including some information on PNES and epilepsy. If you have any specific questions for me, feel free to reply back on this post. 

Hi USMousie,Thanks so much for sharing your story, it sounds like you've been through a lot. Like Gianna mentioned in her comment, we cannot determine if you have epilepsy, or PNES. It’s good that you’re following up with an epilepsy clinic for further evaluation, to determine what treatment is best for you and if you experience any changes in seizure types, frequency, side effects, behaviors, or symptoms. Our new to Epilepsy & Seizure tool kit is a great resource and starting point for learning about what epilepsy is, what resources are available, how to make the most of doctors' visits, and how to take control of seizures, seizure first aid & safety. Learn more here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/new-seizures-and-epilepsy  Seizures can take on many different forms and affect different people in different ways. Learn more about seizures and the various types of seizures & PNES, here:https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/what-happens-during-seizure https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/nonepileptic-seizures-or-events You may want to consider keeping a journal, or diary. My seizure diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary may be helpful in identifying & tracking seizures, other symptoms, managing medication& other therapies, setting reminders, recognizing triggers and health events that may affect seizures and wellness, which you can share with your providers.  Additionally, you may contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000 contactus@efa.org, where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support.epilepsy.com/helpline