Which seizures are triggered by brain irritants and are also known as psychogenic or pseudo-seizures?

• A. Generalized seizures
• B. Nonepileptic seizures
• C. Focal seizures
• D. Absence seizures

Answer: (B)

Nonepileptic seizures, also called psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, are events that look like seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The key idea is that the symptoms resemble epileptic seizures, yet the EEG during the events shows no ictal discharges, indicating the brain isn’t undergoing an epileptic seizure. These episodes are typically linked to psychological factors, such as stress, trauma, or conversion-related processes, rather than any brain irritant or true epileptic mechanism.

Because they are not due to epileptic brain activity, they differ from generalized, focal, and absence seizures, all of which involve true epileptic discharges. Diagnosis often relies on video-EEG monitoring to confirm that the event occurs with a normal EEG, and management focuses on education and addressing underlying psychological factors through appropriate therapy.