Functional Seizures Services

ABOUT

Experienced by approximately 10% of people with epilepsy, functional seizures are common yet highly misunderstood. Currently, services solely focused on functional seizures at the community level are largely unavailable in Ontario and that’s what inspired us to develop this new program.

Read below to learn more about functional seizures and the support and services that we can provide for you.

If you require support or have any questions about our Functional Seizures Services, please complete an intake form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

WHAT ARE FUNCTIONAL SEIZURES?

Functional seizures are known by many names, such as:

  • Non-epileptic seizures (NES)
  • Dissociative seizures
  • Stress seizures
  • And more!

Functional seizures are different from epileptic seizures because they reflect a temporary problem with the functioning of a person’s nervous system. They are classified as a functional neurological disorder, of which there are many types. There are a multitude of factors that we know contribute to the onset functional seizures, but everyone’s experiences with functional seizures are unique and everyone’s story is different.

SERVICES OFFERED

Our Adult Services Department now offers programming specifically for people living with functional seizures, and their caregivers. Our programming includes:

See below for more information about these services.

*Due to high demand, the waitlist for Neurobehavioral Therapy is currently closed. 

OUR SERVICES

Let’s Talk About Functional Seizures

These educational sessions are for people who want to learn more about functional seizures. During this session, participants will learn about:

  • The difference between epileptic seizures, functional seizures, and physiologic non-epileptic events
  • The factors that can lead a person to start experiencing functional seizures
  • Functional seizure first aid
  • Online resources for people living with functional seizures, and their caregivers
  • Steps you can take toward the path to recovery
  • Treatment options

Click here to sign up for an upcoming webinar! To see dates for upcoming webinars click here.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Anyone interested in learning more about functional seizures, can attend this education session, as long as they are accessing the session from a place in Ontario

Support Group for People Living with Functional Seizures

This quarterly, virtual support group is for clients living with functional seizures, who have completed the neurobehavioural therapy program, “Taking Control of Your Seizures.”

Neurobehavioural Therapy (NBT)*

*Due to high demand, our waitlist for NBT is currently closed.*Due to high demand, our waitlist for NBT is currently closed.Neurobehavioural therapy (NBT) is an evidence-based, psychotherapy program for people diagnosed with functional seizures. The therapy is intended to help people manage the aspects of the condition that they can control, and research has shown that people who undergo NBT may see a decrease in seizure frequency, intensity, and aggravation associated with functional seizures. People who undergo NBT may also see an improvement of other symptoms that can sometimes accompany functional seizures, such as mood issues, and experience an overall improvement in quality of life and functioning.

The program takes approximately 3-4 months to complete and involves meeting with a counsellor for weekly sessions. Eligibility for our NBT requires a doctor who is familiar with you and your medical history to verify that you meet the eligibility criteria below.

Epilepsy Toronto is conducting research to learn how this therapy can help people diagnosed with functional seizures. By participating in the NBT program, you will also be consenting to participate in the associated research.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Lives in Ontario and is 18 or older.
  • Diagnosis of functional seizures by a clinician experienced in diagnosis of seizure disorders.
  • EEG documentation of typical clinical seizure event(s) is/are available.
  • Ongoing functional seizures. (At least 4 functional seizures in a month prior to accessing psychotherapy.)
  • Mixed functional seizures (FS) and epileptic seizures (ES) are acceptable only in circumstances where:
    • Patient has been assisted in clearly delineating between their FS and ES.
    • ES are well controlled.
  • Fluent in speaking and writing in English.
  • Able to commit and engage with a 12–16-week psychotherapy that includes reading, Writing, and daily activities in between appointments.
  • Access to stable internet connection and personal device.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Is not currently experiencing epileptic seizures.
  • Is not currently engaging in self-harm.
  • Is not currently experiencing suicidal ideation with intent to harm.
  • Is not experiencing active substance use or dependence that could interfere with psychotherapy.
  • Does not have a serious illness outside of FS that could interfere with psychotherapy.
  • Does not experience a level of illness or impairment that would prevent or meaningfully hinder participation in time-limited structured psychotherapy using a workbook.

To join the Functional Seizure Program, the referral form must be filled out by your doctor.

Due to high demand, our waitlist is currently closed and we are not currently able to accept referrals. 

Keep updated with all of our upcoming Functional Seizure Services and other Adult Services programs by signing up for our Adult Services ENewsletter.