Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a collection of symptoms that suggest an underlying neurological condition. Functional seizures, also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), are events resembling an epileptic seizure, but without the characteristic electrical discharges associated with epilepsy. They are a type of functional neurological symptom and can be mistaken for epilepsy, but are not due to an epileptic disorder.

Functional seizures can differ from person to person and may present as dissociation, blackouts, collapsing, twitching, and jerking. They can cause blacking out, collapsing, injuries, and loss of bladder control, similar to epileptic seizures. However, there are often clues in the description that can differentiate functional seizures from epileptic seizures, such as very frequent, prolonged attacks, those in which the body movements come and go, and attacks where the person is emotionally upset afterwards.

The exact cause of FND is not entirely known, and no single process has been identified as being sufficient to explain the onset of FND. Biological, psychological, and social factors can interact and cause vulnerabilities, triggers, and ongoing factors that contribute to FND. After receiving a diagnosis of FND from a doctor, a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, including physiotherapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, speech pathologists, social workers, and nurses, may treat the patient. The first step in treatment is to develop a good understanding of FND and to ask any questions the patient may have to the treating team. It is also good to educate the patients support networks about FND, as family and friends will be able to help support the patient better during their treatment journey.

In summary, functional seizures are events resembling an epileptic seizure, but without the characteristic electrical discharges associated with epilepsy. They are a type of functional neurological symptom and can be mistaken for epilepsy, but are not due to an epileptic disorder. The exact cause of FND is not entirely known, and treatment involves a multidisciplinary team of health professionals.