Somatic · Functional Neurological
Functional Seizures (PNES) Worksheet
Warning-sign map and seizure-interruption plan
Functional (psychogenic non-epileptic) seizures often arrive with a prodrome — early warning signs the brain rehearses before the episode. Mapping the warning and rehearsing a stepped interruption gives the nervous system a different path. Adapted from the LaFrance CBT-ip protocol.
My warning-sign map
List what tends to show up in the minutes (or seconds) before an episode.
Somatic (body)
e.g. tingling, lightheaded, heat, heaviness, visual change
Cognitive (mind)
e.g. racing thoughts, blank, déjà vu, dissociation
Emotional
e.g. dread, panic, shame, numbing, overwhelm
Situational triggers
e.g. places, people, sensations, conflict, exhaustion
My interruption plan
When I notice the warning, I move down this list — in order, slowly. Carry a copy on my phone or in my wallet.
01
Name it
Internally: 'This is my warning sign. It is not dangerous.'
02
Ground
Plant both feet. Press into the chair. 5 things I can see.
03
Breathe
Exhale longer than inhale. 6 cycles. Lower the alarm.
04
Move attention out
Count backwards from 100 by 7s, or describe the room aloud.
05
Anchor
Pre-chosen sentence or object that reminds me I am safe right now.
Confidence in interrupting an episode
nonemost
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Felt safety in my body this week
nonemost
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Episode debrief
After an episode — short, kind, no self-blame. What warning showed up? What step did I reach? What would I try one step earlier next time?