Stress is an inevitable part of life, affecting us all in different ways. But for those living with epilepsy and similar conditions, the stakes are even higher. This article dives into the connection between stress and seizures, shedding light on how stress can act as a trigger.
Understanding Seizures, Epilepsy, and PNES
Seizures are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can change how you appear or act for a short time. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. However, PNES are different from epileptic seizures.
What are Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES)?
Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures are episodes that look like epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Instead, it stems from psychological factors, such as intense stress, emotional trauma, or underlying mental health conditions.
Unlike epileptic seizures, which are due to neurological issues, PNES is more about how the brain responds to psychological stress. These seizures can manifest as convulsions, jerking movements, or loss of consciousness, making them hard to distinguish from their epileptic counterparts without proper medical evaluation.
Symptoms of PNES
PNES can look a lot like epileptic seizures, but they have some unique symptoms that set them apart:
Duration and Frequency: PNES often have a more prolonged duration compared to epileptic seizures and can happen frequently.
Awareness: People having PNES may have partial or full awareness during the event.
Triggers: PNES are more often triggered by emotional stress or trauma.
Response to Treatment: Unlike epileptic seizures, PNES do not respond to anti-seizure medications but often improve with psychological therapies.
How Stress Triggers Seizures
While the research is still going on, here are a few ways stress is thought to trigger seizures –
1. Hormonal Impact
When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that can affect the brain’s electrical activity. This can lower the threshold for seizures in some individuals, making them more likely to occur.
2. Brain Activity
The areas of the brain that handle stress and emotions often overlap with regions involved in seizures. When you’re stressed, these areas can get activated and potentially trigger a seizure.
3. Sleep Issues
Stress can mess with your sleep, causing insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. Lack of sleep is a well-known seizure trigger because it affects the brain’s ability to regulate electrical activity properly.
Managing Stress to Prevent Seizures
So, how can we manage stress to help prevent seizures? Here are some tips:
1. Keep a Stress Diary
Write down what stresses you out and how you react. This can help you spot patterns and triggers, making it easier to manage stress.
2. Avoid or Manage Stressful Situations
If you know something stresses you out, try to avoid it. If you can’t avoid it, find ways to manage your response. This might mean practicing time management, asking for help, or just talking to someone about how you’re feeling.
3. Prioritize Sleep
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night because sleep deprivation is a big seizure trigger. Create a calm and regular sleep routine to help you wind down and rest well.
4. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is great for reducing stress. Find something you enjoy, whether it’s playing a sport, going for a walk, or dancing around your room.
5. Relaxation Techniques
Try practices like meditation, yoga, or simple deep breathing exercises. Even short breaks throughout the day can make a big difference.
6. Stick to a Routine
Having a daily routine can make life feel more predictable and less stressful.
7. Set Priorities
Focus on what’s most important and try not to sweat the small stuff. Letting go of less critical tasks can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Wrapping It Up
Stress is a part of life, but knowing how it can affect seizures can help you manage your epilepsy better. Recognizing stressors is the first step in managing stress-related seizures. You can use practical stress management strategies to reduce the frequency of seizures and help improve your overall quality of life.
If stress is a big issue for your child and their seizures, talk to your doctor or a counselor. You can contact Dr. Aman PS Sohal, a leading pediatric neurologist, specializing in epilepsy treatment in Dubai
