## 1 Introduction  
Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) and epilepsy are two distinct conditions that can present with similar symptoms, particularly during seizure activity. In fact, both PNES and epilepsy can result in episodes that resemble seizures and may involve convulsions, loss of consciousness, abnormal movements, and altered awareness. However, the underlying causes and diagnostic criteria for these conditions are different. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive neurophysiological technique used to measure and record the electrical activity of the brain. EEG provides valuable insights into the brain's functioning and is widely employed in clinical, research, and diagnostic settings. EEG measures the fluctuations in electrical potentials generated by the synchronized activity of neurons in the brain. It provides a representation of the brain's electrical activity over time. The electrical signals detected by EEG, commonly referred to as EEG signals, represent the collective activity of the brain's neurons over time. These signals are characterized by different frequency bands, delta (0.5-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz), beta (13-30 Hz), and gamma (30+ Hz). Each frequency band corresponds to specific states of brain activity and provides insights into different aspects of brain function. Analyzing EEG signals can be a valuable tool in the clinical diagnosis of PNES. In fact, PNES is considered a psychological disorder related to psychological stressors or trauma. During a psychogenic seizure, the EEG readings typically do not show any specific abnormal electrical discharges or epileptiform activity. In contrast, epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epileptic seizures often exhibit characteristic epileptiform discharges, such as spikes, sharp waves, or rhythmic activity in specific regions of the brain. Since the clinical presentation of PNES can resemble epileptic seizures, this makes the distinction challenging. As a result, the patient is unaware that the seizures are not epileptic. Moreover, anti-epileptic medications, which are effective in managing epileptic seizures, generally do not alleviate PNES. Therefore PNES patients inaccurately diagnosed as epileptic initiate inappropriate drug therapy, which results in adverse reactions [1; 2; 3]. Different studies assess the frequency of functional or PNES seizures during the COVID-19 outbreak [4; 5]. These studies evidence the possible factors associated with worsening in this population. Although EEG alone cannot diagnose PNES because, during a PNES crisis, electrical brain activity remains normal, it can provide supportive evidence when interpreted in conjunction with other information. The most widely accepted and reliable method for diagnosing PNES is video-EEG monitoring, which is considered the gold standard in the field, and during which seizures are acquired spontaneously or provoked. Video-EEG monitoring allows simultaneous recording of both video footage and EEG signals during the occurrence of seizure events or seizure-like episodes. By capturing the patient's physical movements, behaviors, and visible manifestations alongside the corresponding EEG patterns, video-EEG helps establish a direct correlation between the clinical manifestations and the observed electrical activity. This correlation aids healthcare professionals in distinguishing between epileptic seizures and PNES, as the manifestations in PNES are typically not associated with specific abnormal electrical discharges. Stimulation techniques are employed to trigger or induce seizures during EEG monitoring. This can include hyperventilation, photic stimulation (exposure to flashing lights), or other techniques specific to the individual patient. In PNES, the EEG remains unchanged or shows non-specific changes during the induced events. In contrast, epileptic EEG recordings show IED (interictal epileptiform discharge).