Lucknow: Functional seizures, often mistaken for epilepsy, may be linked to the way a child’s brain processes stress and emotions, according to a study by researchers at Centre of Bio-Medical Research (CBMR) and King George’s Medical University (KGMU).The study found subtle changes in brain regions that regulate emotions, attention, body awareness and movement, helping explain why some children continue to suffer seizure-like attacks despite normal MRI and EEG reports.Published in the international journal Epilepsia, the study could help dispel the misconception that such children are pretending.The study analysed 150 adolescents, including 75 children diagnosed with functional (dissociative) seizures and an equal number of healthy children.Using advanced analysis of high-resolution 3-Tesla MRI scans, the researchers identified subtle differences in brain regions involved in emotion, stress response, attention and movement control.The researchers also used advanced brain-mapping techniques to measure thickness, folds and grooves of the brain’s surface, along with how different brain regions work together.This is different from routine MRI reporting, which primarily looks for visible abnormalities such as tumours or injuries.The changes were found in areas that help regulate emotions, process body signals and respond to stress.“Parents often feel confused when MRI and EEG reports are normal, but their child continues to have seizure-like attacks,” said Dr Uttam Kumar, additional professor at CBMR, who led the neuroimaging research.“Our findings show measurable differences in brain networks involved in processing stress and emotions. The attacks are real and should never be dismissed as intentional or attention-seeking.”Co-author of the study from KGMU’s department of neurology, Prof Amit Arya said functional seizures closely resemble epilepsy but require a different treatment approach.“Recognising the condition early can help families receive the right neurological, psychological and psychiatric care, while avoiding unnecessary delays in treatment,” he said.
