A teenager whose brain goes into fight or flight mode when she is stressed has up to 50 seizures or blackouts in a day.
Paige Thorpe said the condition has robbed her of her independence – she had to leave school and no longer leaves the house.
The 16-year-old, who suffers from anxiety and was struggling with GCSE exam stress, was finally given an explanation for her seizures in September.
Tests revealed she has Non Epileptic Attacks Disorder (NEAD), which is triggered by overwhelming stress.
There is no cure, with doctors telling Paige, from Stansted in Essex, that they hope she will grow out of the condition.
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Paige said: Ive completely lost my independence, and its just rubbish.
Every time I become stressed or anxious about something my body just shuts down – I have completely lost control.
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After weeks of fainting episodes, Paige was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, where her seizures and blackouts worsened.
Her condition is now so serious that she sleeps in the same bed as mum Charlie, with a baby gate attached to the bed.
She also has to call for her mum before walking down the stairs in case she blacks out, and no longer goes out as she worries about being judged.
Charlie, 41, said: Weve always been really close, but this is enough to test anyones patience.
When Paige has a seizure, she hallucinates, talks rubbish, and becomes delirious and confused, Charlie said.
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During her worst seizure yet, Paige ran down the street barefoot looking for Santa Claus.
Charlie said: It sounds comical and we manage to laugh about it but in the moment its terrifying and completely tragic that she has to go through this.
Paige admits her dreams of becoming an osteopath and simply driving a car may not be possible – but even thinking that could trigger a blackout or seizure.
She added: I just have to take each day as it comes.
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