Change the Name of “Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures” and “Pseudo seizures” to “Functional Neurological Seizures”

Summary:

Words matter. “Psychogenic” and “pseudo seizures” are not psychiatric or “fake” — they are neurological in origin. These outdated terms fuel stigma, dismissal, and neglect. It’s time for a change. 

Why this matters:

Thousands of people worldwide live with what has been labeled psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) or pseudo seizures. These are actually functional neurological seizures, a core symptom of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) — a legitimate neurological condition.

The term “pseudo” literally means false or fake. For patients living with disabling seizures, being told they have pseudo seizures is devastating. It suggests that their symptoms are pretend, imagined, or under voluntary control. This language does not just misrepresent the condition — it inflicts psychological harm, invalidates patient experiences, and leads to widespread medical stigma.

Similarly, the word psychogenic implies that seizures are caused purely by psychological factors rather than brain dysfunction. This is scientifically inaccurate and dismissive. As a result, patients are often told their seizures are “all in their head” or “not real,” leading to years of misdiagnosis and suffering.

What the Science Says:

• FND is neurological, caused by changes in how the brain sends and receives signals.
• These seizures are involuntary, real, and disabling — not fabricated, not imagined.
• Leading medical institutions and advocacy groups increasingly use the term "functional seizures" or "functional neurological seizures" to reflect this understanding.

The impact on patients:

• Patients are often left untreated because the term psychogenic or pseudo implies their seizures aren’t genuine.
• Patients are left seizing for hours without help because staff believe “psychogenic” or "pseudo" means “not real.
• Families witness loved ones suffer while healthcare providers dismiss or mislabel them.
• Many patients develop depression, anxiety, or PTSD after repeated experiences of disbelief and neglect.

What we are asking for:

We call on medical institutions, researchers, advocacy groups, and policymakers to retire the terms:

• “Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)”
• “Pseudo seizures”

and officially replace them with:

Functional Neurological Seizures (FNS)

This name:

• Places the condition within neurology, where it belongs.
• Removes harmful, stigmatizing language implying symptoms are “fake” or “psychological.”
• Aligns terminology with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
• Promotes accurate education, empathy, and improved medical care.

How you can help:

Sign this petition. Share it with your friends, family, and communities. If you are a medical provider, please stand with us and commit to using language that validates patients instead of dismissing them.

Language shapes perception — and perception shapes care.
Together, we can change the conversation, restore dignity, and save lives.

💜 Together, we rise.

Together, we can change the conversation. Together, we can save lives. Together, we RISE. 

With gratitude,

Roxanne Niehus
FND Advocate & Creator of RISE FND Warrior Support Group
💜 Together, we rise above FND.