Uncovering the Neurobiological Basis of Functional Seizures

Functional seizures resemble epileptic seizures but occur without abnormal brain electrical activity. This thesis explored the biological underpinnings of these events using advanced brain imaging. It identified brain structure and connectivity differences in people with functional dissociative seizures, especially in regions linked to emotions and motor control. The research also revealed four distinct subtypes based on brain and psychological profiles, suggesting that functional dissociative seizures are not one-size-fits-all. These findings challenge the idea that functional dissociative seizures are purely psychological and highlight the need for personalized diagnosis and treatment approaches based on underlying brain changes.