Case Study: Resolution of Functional Neurological Symptoms (NEADs/Seizures) Through EMDR Therapy

Therapist: Lauren, EMDR Therapist
Client: “Ella” (pseudonym), 41-year-old female
Diagnosis: Functional Neurological Disorder (NEADs – Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder

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Presenting Issue

Ella, a 41-year-old professional woman, self referred to EMDR therapy following a two-year history of non-epileptic dissociative seizures, medically diagnosed as Functional Neurological Disorder (FND/NEADs). Despite extensive neurological investigations, no organic cause was identified. Episodes occurred approximately 3–5 times per week, were often triggered by stress, and significantly impaired her ability to work and engage in social or intimate relationships.

She had previously engaged in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and had trialled psychotropic medication, both with minimal or short-term benefit. Ella had independently researched EMDR and was keen to explore it, having read that functional symptoms can often be rooted in unresolved trauma.

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History and Case Formulation

During the initial history-taking phase, it became apparent that Ella had experienced complex early relational trauma. This included emotional neglect from her mother, chronic invalidation, and exposure to domestic violence between her parents in early childhood. Additionally, she disclosed a previously unprocessed sexual assault at the age of 19, which she had never spoken about or explored in therapy.

Using the standard EMDR eight-phase protocol, we explored the links between past experiences and present-day triggers. It became evident that her seizures were often precipitated by emotionally overwhelming situations, particularly interpersonal conflict or perceived abandonment—dynamics which closely mirrored the environments of her earlier life.

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Preparation and Target Planning

Early sessions focused on developing safety and affect regulation. We used resource installation strategies, including calm place visualisation and the “container” technique, which helped Ella begin to establish a felt sense of control over emotional and somatic activation. She responded positively to bilateral stimulation (BLS) during these exercises.

A floatback technique helped identify several key targets for reprocessing:

1. Witnessing domestic violence at age 5.

2. Repeated experiences of being dismissed or shamed when expressing distress (ages 7–10).

3. The sexual assault at age 19.

It is noteworthy that even before active reprocessing began, Ella reported a marked reduction in seizure frequency. By the sixth session, she was experiencing only one to two episodes per fortnight—suggesting that the creation of narrative coherence and early regulation strategies were already facilitating significant nervous system change.

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Desensitisation and Reprocessing

We proceeded to process the domestic violence memory using tactile BLS. Ella experienced somatic symptoms during the session—numbness in her limbs and a sense of dissociation—which closely mirrored her NEAD episodes. With the support of grounding techniques and dual attention strategies, she was able to remain present and move through the material.

Subsequent targets brought up deep shame and helplessness. The most profound shift occurred during the processing of the sexual assault memory. Her negative cognition was initially “I’m broken”, which was strongly linked to both emotional and somatic symptoms. Through reprocessing, this shifted to “I survived, and I am whole.”

Over the next several sessions, her seizures ceased entirely. She began to re-engage in life—returning to work part-time, rebuilding friendships, and entering a new romantic relationship. Follow-up sessions over the next three months confirmed the sustained absence of functional symptoms.

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Conclusion

Ella’s case illustrates the profound impact EMDR therapy can have on clients with Functional Neurological Disorder. By accessing and processing traumatic memory networks underlying her symptoms, she experienced not only symptom relief but also meaningful psychological integration and post-traumatic growth.

This case reinforces the importance of trauma-informed formulation in NEADs and supports EMDR as an effective therapeutic approach for clients presenting with functional symptoms rooted in unresolved trauma.