Non-Epileptic Seizures or psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES)

I have these episodes, usually happens in the evening and I call them " Possession like" cause I can't talk due to tongue, stop breathing, and my arms and legs each do something different .. I convulse sometimes, fully aware and I also lose my bladder when I stop breathing.. I have a neurologist appointment this month and hopefully get some answers. But an ER doctor treated me like a junkie and I never asked for anything but to please make it stop. My Gabapentin prescription got suspended and I don't know why. ER staff put me in a dark room and shut the door. I was screaming for help cause I had stopped breathing more than a few times.
I almost lost my cool. I didn't know if this Neuro Dr would be same as ER doctor..
I didn't know if people can have episodes like seizure..
Sorry I'm rambling but I would appreciate any information about PNES. Is it possible that I am having a severe, severe form of anxiety?

Hello kirchoff79,

PNES is a condition in which there are many more questions than answers, and just about all doctors and therapists have very little correct understanding of it. Much more (nonbiased) research needs to be conducted. The lack of knowledge and professional training is most unfortunate for those who suffer from this condition. Do not ever allow someone to place you in a situation (such as you described) that left you feeling neglected and unsafe. This will worsen the symptoms.

The research claims that PNES is a result of prior abuse/trauma (typically resulting in suppressed emotions), but that is not always true. There are people diagnosed with PNES who do not have a history of such. I believe PNES can also occur from other causes such as chronic, intense daily stress; side effects of medications; a damaged nervous system, etc. The random flailing and jerking of body limbs, inability to speak or communicate, prolonged blank stares without blinking, loss of mobility, interrupted breathing, intense and severe brain fog, and appearing temporarily "frozen/paralyzed" are possible symptoms. Some people even convulse/seize. One can have a distinct overwhelming and intense sense that one is about to completely collapse! This feeling is very uncomfortable and can "lead" to anxiety. These symptoms are very concerning, especially when very limited knowledge exists in order to understand this condition, coupled with the inability to prevent or control the symptoms. One does "not" choose to have these symptoms, nor is one able to stop the symptoms. The symptoms seem to occur more so when one is in a stressful situation, or having to quickly rush/hurry (also stressful), or is suddenly startled, and/or tired (such as you mentioned when you wrote "in the evening"). If you find any one who is helpful, please share with those who have not yet found anyone who could help. The daily struggles with this condition are very difficult and exhausting.

Hello Tonyde,
I found the comment about your blood pressure doubling to be interesting. For many years, I have majorly struggled with very volatile blood pressure that would commonly soar in "seconds" to well over 240/160. It went over 300 a couple of times, in which, the first time this happened, it caused me to have a grand mal seizure. Fortunately, this occurred while I was already in the ER. The seizure stopped after I turned very blue and lost consciousness due to brain swelling. I woke up after the 3rd day. (This all began in my late 40's, always of average weight, never once a smoker/drug user, very clean and conservative life, well-educated.) Almost 20 years later, I still struggle with very volatile, extreme blood pressure.... no answers. I agree with you, that there is NO way this is psychogenic! It has been a very hard road...