Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Statement Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To see our full nondiscrimination statement, click here.

Campus Construction Update

Starting September 14, we’re closing the Menino building lobby entrance. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures


Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are seizures that are caused by psychological distress, rather than abnormal electrical activity in your brain. The two types of seizures may look similar, but need different treatments.

PNES is a type of conversion disorder, where psychological stress causes a physical symptom. But that doesn't mean people with these types of seizures are faking - just like people with epilepsy, they have no control over their seizures.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk of PNES instead:

  • Being female
  • Experiencing abuse of any kind, including sexual or physical abuse
  • Other psychiatric conditions
  • Experiencing trauma
  • A tendency to hold in your emotions
  • Serving in the armed forces

Treatment

The main treatment for PNES is talk therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy. You may also need treatment for co-occurring psychaitric conditions.

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Epilepsy Program

The Epilepsy Program offers a full range of diagnostic tests and treatments for epilepsy, with doctors who are focused solely on this condition. 
Epilepsy Program
department

Neurology

The Neurology Department offers a full spectrum of neurological care for all neurological disorders, from epilepsy to headaches to Alzheimer’s disease. Our robust research program…
Neurology