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In this episode of 'The Seizure Turnaround,' investigative journalist Nadine Sebai shares her compelling journey from an active frontline reporter to being diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Nadine provides an intimate and unfiltered look into her struggles, coping mechanisms, and the pivotal moments in her quest for remission. The episode dives into her rigorous treatments, the psychological hurdles, and the epiphany that helped her gain some control over her seizures. Nadine also discusses the upcoming documentary, 'System Disrupted,' which follows her journey and aims to educate medical professionals about FND. This conversation highlights the emotional and physical toll of living with functional seizures and offers insights and hope to those facing similar battles.

Further information about Nadine and the upcoming documentary below:

https://www.documentaries.org/films/system-disrupted/

https://www.instagram.com/navigatingfnd/

Presented by Clinical Neuropsychologist and researcher, Dr Lana Higson.

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In this episode of the Seizure Turnaround podcast, poet and advocate Matina Alexis shares her profound journey of dealing with functional seizures, also known as PNES, and how writing became a crucial tool in her recovery. Matina discusses the challenging process of getting diagnosed, the traumatic events in her life, and her path to uncovering deeply repressed childhood traumas through therapy and trauma dreams. She also highlights the role of her poetic work, 'The Softest Blade,' in helping her navigate and articulate her pain, ultimately leading to personal growth and transformation. This episode provides valuable insights into the complexities of functional seizures and the healing power of creative expression.

Link to Matina’s book, The Softest Blade, below:

https://matinaalexis.com/books/the-softest-blade-the-heavy-the-half-way-and-the-healing-matina-alexis/B0FZY2C73R

Presented by Clinical Neuropsychologist and researcher, Dr Lana Higson.

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In this episode, Natalie shares her journey of living with functional seizures and the transformation that followed. Before developing seizures, Natalie struggled to manage motherhood, work, and her mental health. Her journey took a significant turn when she experienced her first seizure in a mental health clinic during a group session. Natalie describes the physical and emotional turmoil she faced and how she took a pragmatic approach and discovered effective ways to manage her seizures. She highlights the importance of building a supportive community, experimenting with different tools and tricks, and maintaining a hopeful mindset. Despite the challenges, her story is a testament to grit and self-advocacy.

Presented by Clinical Neuropsychologist and researcher, Dr Lana Higson.

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In this in-depth discussion, Natasha (pseudonym) shares her family's challenging journey surrounding her son Oscar's functional seizures, beginning from a playground incident at age 10 which led to years of medical uncertainty. Initially misdiagnosed as post-concussion syndrome, it took many seizure episodes and exhaustive testing before a neurologist identified Oscar's condition as functional seizures. Natasha elaborates on the emotional toll, the impact on family dynamics, finding the right neuropsychologist, and strategies that helped Oscar manage and reduce his episodes. She emphasizes the importance of acceptance, communication, and community support to cope with these challenges. Her candid account sheds light on the intersection of trauma, autism, and functional seizures, offering valuable insights and hope to other families facing similar issues.

Presented by Clinical Neuropsychologist and researcher, Dr Lana Higson.

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In this episode of The Seizure Turnaround, Lana speaks with Janis Shoesmith, a former pediatric nurse diagnosed with functional seizures following a traumatic assault at work. Janis shares her journey from a confident and sociable nurse to grappling with PTSD and frequent seizures, and her eventual path to recovery through psychological therapy and personal resilience. Janis opens up about the challenges of receiving a diagnosis, the long wait for specialised treatment, and the emotional toll on her and her family. She emphasises the importance of finding the right kind of support, particularly from professionals knowledgeable about functional seizures, and discusses the significant role of CBT in her recovery. Despite the setbacks, Janis’s story is one of hope and determination, encouraging listeners to seek timely help and remain optimistic about recovery. The episode explores the profound impact of compassionate healthcare, the power of personal and professional support, and the gradual but achievable journey towards wellness.

Presented by Clinical Neuropsychologist and researcher, Dr Lana Higson.