Most people experience their NEAs as confusing and like something they cannot control. Four out of five people with NEAD recognise triggers - at least for some of their attacks. Possible triggers can include certain physical states (such as being tired or ill), external factors (such as flashing lights or excessive noise), emotional states (such as feeling upset, anxious or ashamed) or reminders of distressing experiences.
Over two thirds of people with NEAD are aware of warnings before at least some of their attacks. These include feelings of panic (>50%), bodily symptoms, sensory symptoms (such as sensing strong smells) and feeling removed from themselves or looking at themselves from the outside.
Most people experience some degree of loss of control or awareness during their NEAs. About one half are completely unaware during their attacks. However, many people are aware of some of the things that are going on around them but are unable to respond. Some carry out activities during the attacks (including walking or talking to others) without being able to remember this later. Some people hear or see things during the attacks which are not actually happening at the time.
People with NEAs also experience a range of symptoms after their attacks. These include tiredness and fatigue, changes in memory or speech, or changes in emotional state or physical sensations.
Many people describe physical symptoms of panic (such as trembling, sweating or heart racing) during attacks - sometimes without actually feeling anxious. Some people with NEAD are more aware of physical symptoms that can be associated with panic rather than any anxiety (such as shortness of breath or smothering sensation; choking; nausea or abdominal distress/butterflies or knot in stomach; chest pains or discomfort).
The fact that the symptoms of NEAD are predominantly physical for most people can make it very difficult for them to understand that their attacks do not have an identifiable physical cause like epilepsy. Several studies have showed that patients with NEAD tend to be more likely than patients with epilepsy to see physical factors as causing their symptoms and more likely not to be aware of any current life stresses.
Most people with NEAD experience heir attacks as unpredictable and directed by something outside their own control.
Often people are very exhausted, upset, embarrassed, confused and tired when they come round from their NEAs. Some people experience a lot of pain after their attacks.