Current research projects for persons diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), also known as dissociative or functional seizures

One of the ways in which we can help improve the lives of those living with PNES or dissociative seizures is through scientific research.  Fortunately, in the last couple of decades, there has been a proliferation of research studies that have focused on risk, prognostic and outcome factors, diagnostic tools, treatment modalities, among other topics.  Below you can read about two current projects that may...

Please join me in celebrating the 2021 winners of the Lorna Myers PNES scholarship!

This year, the Epilepsy Alliance of America awarded eight fantastic women scholarships to assist them in pursuing their education. The main criteria for this award is that the applicant must have a diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and can show that he/she is planning on using these funds to further his/her education. Why was this scholarship set up? Several years back, I decided to take all...

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)/ functional seizure (FS) conference 2021!  It is back on-bigger and better

For six years straight, the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group (NEREG), hosted an annual PNES conference for patients, caregivers, and in the later years, for health professionals too. Our last conference was held on 2019 and then, as we all know, the world ground to a halt due to the 2020 pandemic. Although we did not host our 7th annual PNES conference last year, there have been very positive changes that have...

Meet the new Executive Director of FND Hope USA

There is so much that we need to do to improve the lives of those living with PNES.  We definitely need to increase treatment options and to ensure a growing number of clinicians are available to treat this health condition.  To achieve this, research on treatment outcome is a necessity, and as such, funding is required. Until now, clinical trials have been conducted on relatively small samples [except for a...

Recommendations for summer reading: a variety of choices about and by persons living with Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)

Psychoeducation: refers to some form of intervention (lecture, support group meeting or published materials) that aims to educate the audience members/readers about a specific health condition, provides coping suggestions and informs about treatment options.  Usually, psychoeducation is provided by health professionals but not necessarily; patients who have educated themselves about their health issues can prove...