Urgent Assistance Needed: My 55-Year-Old Father's Daily Convulsions Diagnosed as Psychogenic – No Treatment Yet Effective
Greetings, I find myself in a state of urgency and am reaching out for guidance regarding my father, who is 55 years old. Since January 2025, he has been suffering from severe, daily episodes of convulsions that have rendered him unable to function normally. **Chronology and Symptoms:** **Onset (January):** His condition commenced following a particularly stressful family event. He sensed an immediate change, reporting an overwhelming sense of anxiety before involuntary movements in his shoulders began to manifest. **Nature of Episodes:** Now, these involuntary movements occur several times throughout the day, with some episodes lasting long enough to include hundreds of jerks. During these moments, his heart rate can accelerate to over 185 beats per minute, and he often struggles to breathe (we have documented some of these incidents). **Emerging Symptoms:** Since March, he has also begun to stutter during these episodes, and recently, they have started to disrupt his sleep patterns. **Situational Triggers:** He has increasingly withdrawn, avoiding visitors and feeling anxious about phone calls or the sound of doorbells, as any form of stress seems to exacerbate his condition. **Healthcare Journey:** We’ve pursued consultations with various specialists, including neurologists, cardiologists, and psychiatrists across India, Los Angeles, and Toronto. All tests and imaging have returned normal results. One healthcare professional tentatively suggested a diagnosis of PNES (psychogenic non-epileptic seizures). **Psychological Background:** He has no prior history of mental health issues, such as OCD or mood disorders, and he generally maintains a positive and cheerful demeanor. Additionally, there’s no family history of mental illness. He has expressed reluctance to take antidepressants due to worries about their potential impact on his cognitive function and personality. **Our Request:** We are urgently seeking insights from anyone who has encountered a similar situation, as well as advice or leads on specialists experienced in efficiently treating PNES/NEAD without predominantly relying on antidepressants. We are also willing to consider international specialists who offer remote consultations. We sincerely appreciate any support, recommendations, or shared experiences you might provide. Our main goal is to help my father regain control of his life.
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 12:50:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your father's condition; it's understandable that you're feeling urgent and concerned for his well-being. Convulsions that are diagnosed as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) can indeed be distressing for both the patient and their family. Treatment can be complex, but there are several strategies that may help your father regain control of his life.
Key Points to Consider:
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Understanding PNES: These episodes are linked to psychological factors rather than neurological causes. Stress and anxiety often play significant roles, and symptoms can manifest physically as involuntary movements.
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Immediate Self-Care Strategies: While you seek further treatment, certain strategies can help manage symptoms and reduce episodes.
Next Steps:
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Stress Management Techniques:
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Encourage your father to practice mindfulness exercises, such as meditation or deep breathing. This can help him manage anxiety and reduce the frequency of episodes.
- Routine: Establishing a daily routine that includes relaxation time can help him feel more secure and less stressed.
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Physical Movement:
- Gentle Exercise: Activities like yoga or tai chi may improve his physical well-being and help with the anxiety linked to PNES. The focus on body awareness in these practices can be beneficial.
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Psychological Support:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy can be effective for folks with PNES. A trained therapist can help your father cope with underlying stress and anxiety without resorting to medication if he prefers to avoid antidepressants.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional relief and practical strategies.
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Identifying Triggers:
- Symptom Journal: Encourage your father to keep a journal of his symptoms, noting any potential triggers. Recognizing patterns can help in avoiding or managing these situations.
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Specialist Consultation:
- Psychiatrist with Expertise in PNES: Look for a psychiatrist familiar with neuropsychology or one specializing in non-epileptic seizures. They can provide tailored approaches that may include therapy.
- Telehealth Options: Given your readiness to explore international specialists, consider telehealth platforms that allow for consultations with top professionals in treating PNES.
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Family Support:
- Involve family members in his care plan by discussing ways to create a supportive environment. Reducing stressors, such as loud noises or unexpected visitors, may help him feel more secure.
Reassurance:
It's commendable that you are actively seeking solutions for your father. The journey to recovery from PNES can be gradual, but with the right support and techniques, many patients see significant improvement. Continue to advocate for him, and don't hesitate to reach out to professionals who understand this condition and can offer specialized guidance. If you have any other questions or need more support, feel free to ask.
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