Understanding PNES and How a Medical Awareness Card Can Help

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) are a serious but often misunderstood condition. Unlike epileptic seizures, PNES episodes are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Instead, they are linked to psychological factors such as stress, trauma, or other underlying mental health conditions. Many people with PNES face challenges in receiving a correct diagnosis, as symptoms can mimic epilepsy.

For those living with PNES, carrying our card can make a real difference in daily life. It provides clear information that helps others understand the condition, reducing confusion in stressful situations.

What is PNES and How Does It Differ from Epilepsy?

PNES episodes often resemble epileptic seizures, with symptoms such as convulsions, shaking, or unresponsiveness. However, while epilepsy is caused by irregular brain activity, PNES is classified as a functional neurological disorder. This means that the episodes are not due to structural problems in the brain but rather to the way the brain processes stress and emotions.

A key difference between PNES and epilepsy is that anti-seizure medications do not work for PNES. Diagnosis requires a video EEG (electroencephalogram) test, where brain activity is monitored during an episode. Many people go years without a proper diagnosis, leading to frustration and inappropriate treatment.

Our card helps raise awareness by informing others about PNES, helping those affected feel more understood and supported.

Why Do People Experience PNES?

PNES is often linked to past trauma, anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions. The brain responds to emotional distress by triggering physical symptoms, which can lead to seizures that look like epilepsy but have a different cause. This is why treatment for PNES usually involves psychological therapies rather than medication.

Triggers for PNES episodes vary but can include stress, fatigue, and emotional distress. Some people also experience episodes in response to sensory overload or certain social situations. Having a medical awareness card can be useful in these moments, providing a way to communicate the condition clearly.

Our card is designed to make these situations easier by giving immediate information to those around the cardholder, whether they are friends, colleagues, or medical professionals.

How a PNES Medical Awareness Card Can Help in Everyday Situations

Living with PNES can be challenging, especially when others are unfamiliar with the condition. Our card serves as a simple but effective tool for improving awareness and reducing the need for lengthy explanations.

Carrying our card can be helpful in various situations:

• Medical emergencies – If someone experiences an episode in public, our card provides quick and clear information to bystanders and first responders.
• Workplaces and social settings – Employers, colleagues, and friends may not know about PNES. Having our card can make it easier to explain the condition and reduce misunderstandings.
• Travel and public spaces – Unexpected episodes in busy places can be stressful. Our card helps those nearby understand what is happening, making it easier to receive appropriate support.

For many people, PNES is an invisible condition. Our card gives them a voice when they may not be able to explain their situation themselves.

Why Our PNES Medical Awareness Card is a Valuable Resource

At The Card Project UK, we understand that raising awareness about PNES is important. Our card is designed to provide clear information about the condition in a way that is easy to understand. It is lightweight, durable, and made from biodegradable plastic, making it an eco-friendly option.

Having our card can help reduce the stigma and confusion surrounding PNES. It encourages conversations, promotes understanding, and ensures that others respond appropriately in an emergency.

Many people with PNES find it frustrating when their condition is dismissed or misinterpreted. Our card helps bridge this gap, offering a practical way to inform others and improve daily interactions.

Ready to Make a Difference? Order Your PNES Awareness Card Today!

Carrying our card can make everyday life easier for those with PNES. Whether it is used to educate others, provide reassurance, or help in an emergency, it is a small but powerful way to raise awareness.

If you or someone you know has PNES, ordering our card from us here at The Card Project UK is a simple but effective step towards better understanding and support.