Episode 132: Netflix’s ‘Wrestlers’ / Seizures and Pseudoseizures

Doctor Vs Comedian

Today, Asif and Ali discuss the new Netflix docuseries ‘Wrestlers’ (1:30). The guys discuss the director of the show, Greg Whiteley, and his other shows ‘Last Chance U’ and ‘Cheer’. They then discuss the main characters in the show, including former wrestler Al Snow, talk radio celebrity Matt Jones and breakout star . They discuss their thoughts on the show and how the show is really about showmanship, devotion to craft and putting everything on the line for a dream.

Then, since a character in ‘Wrestlers’ has what appears to be a seizure in one episode (mild spoiler), the guys then discuss seizures and pseudoseizures (24:40). Asif reviews the definition of seizures and epilepsy. He then goes over first aid for seizures and the dangers of brain injury with prolonged seizures (status epilepticus). In the show, the seizure appears to be precipitated by a stressful event. Asif explains that stress in and of itself does not really cause seizures, but it can be related to pseudoseizures aka non-epileptic events. These are a psychogenic type of disorder, also called conversion disorder or functional neurologic disorder. Asif talks about how these are often related to underlying stress or anxiety and how they can be related to a past history of psychological trauma. He describes how their appearance can be different from actual seizures and he also explains how a test (EEG) can help to differentiate these. Asif then goes over the treatment for this disorder.

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Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

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Show notes:

• Is Pro Wrestling Any Less 'Real' Than the Mayweather/McGregor Fight? Al Snow Doesn't Think So: https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a45156115/wrestlers-netflix-al-snow-interview/
• ‘Wrestlers’ Is Greg Whiteley’s Latest Underdog Tale: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/arts/television/wrestlers-netflix-greg-whiteley.html
• The Hilarious Story of An Al Snow Toy Was Deemed "One of the Most Dangerous Toys in America": https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-hilarious-story-of-al-snow-toy-deemed-most-dangerous-toys-in-america/
• Heritage Minutes: Wilder Penfield: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUOG2g4hj8s
• A definition and classification of status epilepticus--Report of the ILAE Task Force on Classification of Status Epilepticus: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26336950/
• Functional/dissociative seizures: Review of its relationship with trauma, dissociation and the neurobiological underpinnings: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772598722000526
• Childhood trauma and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A review of findings with speculations on the underlying mechanisms: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525505015005223
• Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441871/
• KY Medical Review Board Program: https://drive.ky.gov/Drivers/Pages/MRB.aspx