The Brain Charity

Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD)

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Name	Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD)
Related to/Also known as	Functional Neurological Disorder
Symptoms of NEAD	Non-epileptic seizures can look and feel like seizures caused by epilepsy, but they are not actually caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, like epileptic seizures. Instead they are either organic or psychogenic in origin. There are a number of tests available that can help to diagnose NEAD and to distinguish epileptic from non-epileptic seizures.
Types
Useful national contacts	Epilepsy Action Freephone helpline: 0808 800 5050 www.epilepsy.org.uk NEUROkid information for children and young people diagnosed with NEAD www.neurokid.co.uk
News and events
Online resources	There are useful factsheets available from the National Society for Epilepsy and from Epilepsy Action, see the websites below: Epilepsy Society https://tinyurl.com/kn68bo www.epilepsy.org.uk tel: 0808 800 5050 Information can also be found at the website: www.nonepilepticattacks.info This is a website developed by a group of healthcare professionals interested in developing effective treatments for NEAD. It is designed to provide patients and families with information about the condition, what causes them and what treatments there are, together with self-help information.
Our resources	The library at The Brain Charity has a range of resources on NEAD and on a wide range of disability-related issues. This includes a copy of NHS Sheffield Teaching Hospitals' factsheet "Taking Control of Your Non-Epileptic Seizures".

Seizures