Published on: 7/9/2025
What conditions can cause seizure-like symptoms without being a seizure?
Some medical conditions can mimic seizures but are not true seizures, including fainting, migraines, sleep disorders, and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES).
Ready to take the next step?
Get instant answers to all of your health questions
with our AI-powered chat.
Explanation
Seizure-like symptoms can occur due to various causes that affect the brain or body but don’t involve abnormal electrical activity:
Fainting (syncope): A brief loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, sometimes with jerking movements. Migraine headaches: Severe headaches can cause visual changes, confusion, or temporary weakness resembling seizures. Sleep disorders: Conditions like narcolepsy or sleepwalking can mimic seizure activity. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES): Episodes triggered by psychological factors, not brain electrical disturbances. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs): Brief “mini-strokes” causing sudden neurological symptoms. Movement disorders: Such as tics or tremors that may look like seizures. Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar can cause shaking, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
Proper medical evaluation, often including EEG and imaging tests, is essential to diagnose and treat the correct condition.
(References)
- Auxéméry Y, Hubsch C, & Fidelle G. (2011). [Psychogenic non epileptic seizures: a review]. L'Encephale, 21482234.
- Devinsky O, Gazzola D, & LaFrance WC Jr. (2011). Differentiating between nonepileptic and epileptic seizures. Nature reviews. Neurology, 21386814.
- Marcolini E, & Tolchin B. (2021). Functional Seizures. Emergency medicine clinics of North America, 33218653.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about symptoms
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.