Hidden Symptoms: Can PTSD Cause Seizures?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may develop in those who have experienced a traumatic event. Though symptoms like anxiety and depression can be commonly associated with this disorder, seizures may also occur in rare cases. Seizures associated with PTSD are usually non-epileptic and tend to resolve with mental health treatment, which usually involves therapy to address the underlying trauma.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop in individuals who have witnessed or lived through a traumatic event. An estimated one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD during their lifetime, with approximately 3.5% of U.S. adults being affected by the disorder each year.
While PTSD can be commonly associated with military service, a wide range of traumatic events and circumstances can lead to the development of PTSD symptoms. Examples include the following:
- Combat experiences in military service
- Physical or sexual assault
- Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods
- Severe car accidents
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Witnessing a violent crime
- Surviving a terrorist attack
- Serious medical procedures or life-threatening illnesses
- Witnessing or being involved in a serious accident
- The sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one
- Kidnapping or hostage situations
- Experiencing torture or persecution
- Domestic violence
- Being involved in a plane crash or another type of transportation accident
- Occupational hazards (for example, first responders witnessing traumatic events on the job)
Though PTSD is a mental health disorder, it often involves physical as well as emotional and mental symptoms. While PTSD symptoms typically begin within three months of a traumatic event, they can present at any time.
The psychological symptoms most commonly associated with PTSD include those listed below:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Distressing nightmares related to the trauma
- Intense and prolonged emotional distress when reminded of the event
- Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, or situations that remind one of the trauma
- Negative changes in mood or cognition, such as persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world
- Experiencing detachment from others
- Emotional numbness
- Heightened arousal or reactivity, such as being easily startled or constantly on edge
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Hypervigilance (constantly being on the lookout for danger)
- Problems with sleep, including insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
Physiological symptoms may include the following:
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Sweating or trembling in response to reminders of the trauma
- Digestive issues, such as stomach pain or nausea
- Headaches or migraines
- Muscle tension or aches
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Weakened immune system, leading to frequent illnesses or infections
- Hyperventilation or shortness of breath during anxiety or panic attacks
- Dizziness or fainting spells
It can be important to note that individuals with PTSD may experience a combination of these symptoms to varying degrees, and not everyone will experience every symptom listed. Additionally, symptoms can fluctuate over time and may be influenced by various factors, such as stress levels, triggers, and coping mechanisms.
Can PTSD cause seizures?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may cause seizures in some people. However, the relationship between seizures and traumatic experiences tends to be intricate and multifaceted.
Seizures can come in various forms. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) or functional (dissociative) seizures are the type that tends to be most frequently associated with PTSD. Though symptoms of PNES or dissociative seizures may resemble symptoms of epilepsy, these seizures are considered manifestations of underlying psychological factors. Epileptic seizures, on the other hand, are typically the result of neurological abnormalities.
Symptoms of non-epileptic seizures may include the following:
- Loss of consciousness or altered awareness
- Uncontrolled movements, such as shaking or jerking of limbs
- Convulsions or twitching
- Staring blankly or appearing dazed
- Collapsing or falling to the ground
- Breathing difficulties
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Sweating
- Temporary paralysis or weakness in limbs
- Sensory disturbances, such as tingling sensations or numbness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Emotional distress or agitation
- Memory lapses or gaps in awareness
- Repetitive behaviors or actions during the episode
- Post-seizure symptoms, such as fatigue or headache
Seizures can also result from traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can occur due to various traumatic accidents, such as car crashes, falls, or sports-related injuries. While it may be less common, research has indicated it's possible for seizures to trigger PTSD.
One questionnaire study found that 51% of patients with epilepsy reported experiencing PTSD triggered by a traumatic seizure, a rare psychiatric condition termed “post-epileptic seizure PTSD” by researchers. However, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between seizures and PTSD and to develop effective interventions for those affected.
How therapy can help
Since seizures that are not epileptic do not usually respond to anti-seizure medication, a proper diagnosis of the underlying cause of seizures can be crucial for effective treatment. In many cases, therapy can play a vital role in identifying, treating, and managing PTSD symptoms.
PTSD-related seizures are treatable, and psychotherapy has shown effectiveness in reducing their frequency. An expert analysis of psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), revealed promising outcomes, with 47% of individuals achieving seizure-free status and 82% experiencing a significant reduction in seizures.
Online therapy can offer additional advantages. It’s often more convenient and accessible than traditional in-person care, and it allows individuals to choose between phone call, online chat, and video conference for each session.
According to a 2022 study, online therapy for PTSD can be just as effective as in-office therapy. Either option can be a valid form of treatment for those who are interested in seeking professional help to overcome trauma.
Takeaway
In some cases, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may trigger non-epileptic seizures. It can be important to seek medical care to determine the cause of seizures and treat them accordingly. If it’s shown that seizures are related to PTSD, online or in-person therapy may effectively address and resolve the seizures and other symptoms.
- Previous Article
- Next Article