Using Grounding Techniques With PNES

You may have heard people talking about grounding techniques for FND episodes and PNES. Although these are not cures, they can sometimes help manage non-epileptic seizures and dissociation episodes.

These methods, requiring patience and practice, are best learned initially when you are feeling more stable. You can then learn to use them in a more urgent situation or when surrounded by distractions. Techniques include:

1. Touch: Use textured items to enhance sensory awareness, focusing on sensations and surrounding objects.

2. Body Mapping & Awareness: Recognize body contact points and explore sensations throughout the body.

3. Rice Grain Exercise: Focus on a rice.grains texture as you roll it between your fingers.

4. Black dot: Make or carry a large black dot. As symptoms come on focus on the black dot, avoid distracting thoughts coming into your mind but if they do - focus back onto the black dot. Do this for 5 minutes or until symptoms subside.

6. Breathing Techniques: deep breathing is not just a psychological effect. Breathing deeply can actually fool your body into feeling relaxed and reverse some of the early physical symptoms of stress.

7. Deep Freeze: Recognize seizure symptoms early to manage them effectively, using cold water or ice cubes to create distraction and regain focus.

Please note that the above is non-medical advice and that FND Positive exists purely to share positive information with those who are currently struggling with FND, PNES and their carers.

What would you most like to read other articles about treatment options for FND?