Skip to main content

Is there a link between child sex abuse and epilepsy?

A reader of the ACEsTooHigh.com news site sent in that question. Since she prefers to remain anonymous, I told her I'd toss it out to this network.Β 

If you know anything about this -- whether there's a link or whether there is not -- just add a comment to this post, and I'll pass it on to her.Β 

Thanks!

Add Comment

Comments (3)

Newest · Oldest · Popular

There is definitely an association between childhood sexual abuse and what are called psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). Β These are not true seizures because there is no abnormal electrical brain activity on EEG when the PNES is in progress. Β However, PNES look just like true epilepsy since the outward effect on the person having the PNES is nearly identical to true epilepsy. Β Definitive diagnosis of PNES may require simultaneous video and EEG recording for up to 5 days to ensure a PNES event occurs. Β Only a few medical centers around the world offer this.

I'm not aware of any data that show PNES gets better when the effects of childhood sexual abuse are treated but I strongly suspect that would be the case.Β 

Post
Copyright Β© 2023, PACEsConnection. All rights reserved.
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×