08/20/2026
Understanding what the right treatments for PNES are
Many people with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are understandably confused about the best treatment—especially now that the term “functional seizures” is becoming more common.
I’ve been hearing from patients who wonder: “If PNES is a type of functional neurological disorder (FND), shouldn’t physical therapy or occupational therapy help?”
The short answer is no.
In my latest blog post I explain why PT and OT, while helpful for other FND symptoms, are not the right approach for PNES—and why specialized psychotherapies remain the treatment with the strongest evidence.
Clear information matters. The path to recovery is already hard enough.
https://blog.nonepilepticseizures.com/can-my-psychogenic-nonepileptic-seizures-pnes-be-treated-by-a-physical-or-occupational-therapist-instead-of-by-a-psychotherapist/