Your heart is pounding so hard you can hear it in your ears. Your chest feels tight, you’re sweating, and you feel like you’re completely losing control of your body. If you’ve experienced a panic attack, you know how terrifying these moments can be. But what happens when these episodes seem to go beyond typical anxiety symptoms? Many people wonder: can panic attacks cause seizures?
This question becomes even more pressing when you or someone you love experiences episodes that look like seizures but happen during times of extreme stress or anxiety. The relationship between panic attacks and seizures is more complex than you might think, and understanding this connection could be the key to getting the right help.
Key Takeaways
- Panic attacks do not cause epileptic seizures, but they can trigger psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES), which are physical responses to emotional stress rather than abnormal brain activity.
- PNES and epileptic seizures have different causes and treatments, so getting an accurate diagnosis through video EEG and clinical evaluation is essential.
- With the right therapy, coping strategies, and support, both panic attacks and PNES are treatable conditions, and most people can regain control and improve their quality of life.
Understanding Panic Attacks vs. Seizures
What is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical and emotional symptoms. These episodes typically last between 5 to 20 minutes and can happen without warning. During a panic attack, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, even when there’s no real danger present.
Common panic attack symptoms include:
- Racing heartbeat or chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or feeling like you’re choking
- Sweating and trembling
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Intense feelings of fear or impending doom
- Feeling like you’re losing control
People experiencing panic attacks usually remain aware of their surroundings, though they may feel disconnected from reality. These episodes are extremely frightening, but they’re not life-threatening.
What is an Epileptic Seizure?
An epileptic seizure occurs when there’s sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This disrupts normal brain function and can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on which part of the brain is affected.
Epileptic seizure symptoms may include:
- Uncontrolled movements or jerking
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Muscle stiffening or sudden collapse
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Staring spells
- Memory loss after the episode
Unlike panic attacks, most people with epileptic seizures don’t remember the episode itself. The seizure is followed by a recovery period where the person may feel confused, tired, or have a headache.
Key Differences Between Panic Attacks and Seizures
| Panic Attacks | Epileptic Seizures |
|---|---|
| Usually lasts 5–20 minutes | Typically lasts 30 seconds to 2 minutes |
| Person remains conscious | Often involves loss of consciousness |
| No abnormal brain activity on EEG | Shows abnormal electrical activity on EEG |
| Triggered by stress or anxiety | Can be triggered by various factors |
| Gradual onset and recovery | Sudden onset and recovery |
Can Panic Attacks Actually Cause Seizures?
Panic attacks do not cause epileptic seizures. However, they can trigger psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), which resemble seizures but are caused by intense psychological distress rather than abnormal brain activity. PNES is a functional neurological disorder, meaning it arises from the brain’s way of processing stress, not from a structural or electrical problem.
PNES may be brought on by panic attacks, emotional overload, past trauma, sleep deprivation, or substance withdrawal. These episodes are the body’s way of coping with overwhelming stress and affect about 5 to 10 percent of patients seen in epilepsy clinics. Diagnosis usually involves ruling out epilepsy through EEG and clinical evaluation by a neurologist or psychiatrist.
How PNES Differs from Epileptic Seizures
Understanding the differences between PNES and epileptic seizures is crucial for getting the right treatment:
PNES characteristics:
- No abnormal brain activity on EEG tests
- Often triggered by emotional stress
- May last longer than epileptic seizures (sometimes hours)
- A person may retain some awareness during the episode
- Gradual onset and recovery
- Don’t respond to anti-seizure medications
Epileptic seizure characteristics:
- Show abnormal electrical activity on EEG
- Can be triggered by various factors (stress, lack of sleep, flashing lights)
- Usually brief (30 seconds to 2 minutes)
- Often involves a complete loss of consciousness
- Sudden onset and recovery
- Respond to anti-seizure medications
Recognizing the Symptoms
Warning Signs of PNES
PNES episodes can vary greatly from person to person, but common features include:
During the episode:
- Uncontrolled shaking or jerking (may not be rhythmic like epileptic seizures)
- Side-to-side head movements
- Arching of the back
- Crying or emotional distress
- Closed eyes or fluttering eyelids
- Apparent loss of consciousness (though some awareness may remain)
After the episode:
- Gradual return to normal awareness
- Emotional exhaustion
- Memory of the event (unlike epileptic seizures)
- No confusion or disorientation typical of epileptic seizures
When Panic Attacks and PNES Overlap
Research shows that 17 to 83 percent of people with PNES also experience panic attacks, likely because both conditions often stem from shared root causes like trauma, anxiety disorders, chronic stress, and emotional dysregulation. This overlap highlights the strong connection between mental health and seizure-like symptoms.
People with panic disorder are nearly six times more likely to report seizure-like episodes compared to those without anxiety. Still, it’s important to note that most individuals with panic attacks do not go on to develop PNES.
Getting the Right Diagnosis
The Importance of Proper Testing
Proper testing is essential to distinguish between panic attacks, PNES, and epileptic seizures. Doctors use video-EEG monitoring as the gold standard, capturing brain activity and physical symptoms during an episode. Diagnosis may also include brain imaging, blood tests, psychological evaluation, and a review of your medical history.
An accurate diagnosis is key because each condition requires a different treatment. Epileptic seizures are managed with anti-seizure medication, PNES responds to psychological therapy, and panic attacks are treated with anti-anxiety medication. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary side effects and delay proper care.
Treatment Options
For Panic Attacks and Anxiety
Therapy Options:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change thought patterns that trigger panic attacks
- Exposure therapy: Gradual exposure to feared situations to reduce anxiety
- Mindfulness-based therapies: Techniques to stay grounded during anxiety episodes
Medications:
- SSRIs (like sertraline or fluoxetine): Help reduce overall anxiety levels
- Benzodiazepines: For short-term relief during severe episodes
- Beta-blockers: Can help with physical symptoms like a racing heartbeat
For PNES
Primary Treatment:
- Psychotherapy: CBT and trauma-focused therapy are most effective
- Stress management: Learning healthy coping mechanisms
- Treatment of underlying conditions: Addressing anxiety, depression, or PTSD
What Doesn’t Work:
- Anti-seizure medications (these don’t help PNES)
- Ignoring the psychological aspects
- Treating it as “fake” or “not real”
Lifestyle Strategies for Both Conditions
- Stress Management: Regular exercise, quality sleep, and relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night and include daily movement or meditation to support emotional well-being.
- Trigger Avoidance: Identify and avoid known triggers when possible, and build healthy coping strategies for stress you can’t avoid. A consistent daily routine can also promote emotional stability and reduce overwhelm.
- Support Systems: Join support groups to connect with others who understand your experience, and educate loved ones about your condition. Regular sessions with a counselor or therapist can also provide valuable guidance and emotional support.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek immediate medical help if you lose consciousness, have seizure-like episodes lasting over five minutes, get injured during an episode, or notice these episodes becoming more frequent or severe. It’s also urgent if they begin to interfere with your daily life, relationships, or work.
Don’t wait to reach out if panic attacks are limiting your activities, you’re avoiding certain situations out of fear, you’re having thoughts of self-harm, or your loved ones are worried about your well-being. Getting support early can make a real difference.
Living with These Conditions
- Create a Safety Plan: Have a safety plan by identifying calm spaces, keeping emergency contacts handy, informing trusted people, and removing potential hazards from your environment.
- Build Your Support Network: Build a support network by connecting with others who understand, educating loved ones, and joining local or online support groups.
- Focus on Self-Care: Take care of yourself by sticking to regular meals and sleep, doing activities you enjoy, managing stress daily, and tracking symptoms to spot patterns.
Hope for Recovery
The good news is that both panic attacks and PNES are highly treatable. With the right diagnosis, therapy, and coping strategies, most people see real improvement and experience fewer episodes over time. Recovery is absolutely possible with patience and the right support. It may not happen overnight, but small steps can lead to lasting change and a better quality of life. You don’t have to go through it alone; help is available.
Conclusion
While panic attacks don’t directly cause epileptic seizures, they can trigger psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES) in some individuals due to extreme emotional stress. Understanding the difference between panic attacks, PNES, and epileptic seizures is critical to getting the right diagnosis and care. With proper support, therapy, and lifestyle strategies, many people find relief, regain control, and live full, empowered lives even after terrifying symptoms.
If you or a loved one is experiencing panic attacks, seizure-like episodes, or overwhelming anxiety, you’re not alone, and help is available. Kieval Counseling offers in-person therapy in Woburn, MA, and virtual sessions across Massachusetts, making getting the support you need easier. Our compassionate, evidence-based care is designed to help you feel safe, stable, and empowered. Contact us at 781-369-5644 to take your next step toward healing.
FAQs
Can anxiety and panic attacks cause seizures?
Anxiety and panic attacks don’t directly cause epileptic seizures, but they can trigger psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in some people. These seizure-like episodes are caused by psychological stress rather than abnormal brain activity, and many people develop anxiety about having future episodes.
What does a panic attack seizure look like?
A panic attack seizure (PNES) may involve uncontrolled shaking, jerking movements, loss of responsiveness, and can last longer than typical epileptic seizures. Unlike epileptic seizures, the person may retain some awareness and the episode often has a gradual onset and recovery, though it’s easy to confuse symptoms between the two conditions.
How do you overcome seizure anxiety?
Overcoming seizure anxiety typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), stress management techniques, and sometimes anti-anxiety medications. Working with a mental health professional to address underlying trauma or anxiety related disorders is often the most effective approach.
What can trigger a seizure?
Seizure triggers can include stress, lack of sleep, flashing lights, alcohol, missed medications, illness, hormonal changes, and low blood sugar. For people with PNES specifically, emotional stress, trauma reminders, and any panic attack trigger such as overwhelming anxiety are common causes.
