scholarly journals Functional Neurological Disorder in the Emergency Department

Author(s):  
Sara A. Finkelstein ◽  
Miguel A. Cortel‐LeBlanc ◽  
Achelle Cortel‐LeBlanc ◽  
Jon Stone
2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622110092
Author(s):  
Shimaa K. Morsy ◽  
Daniela Huepe-Artigas ◽  
Ahmed M. Kamal ◽  
Maha Ali Hassan ◽  
Nashaat Adel Abdel-Fadeel ◽  
...  

Objective: Psychosocial trauma was associated with developing conversion disorder (also known as functional neurological disorder) before Freud, though why a particular symptom should arise is unknown. We aimed to determine if there was a relationship between trauma type and symptom. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients attending Australia’s first functional neurology clinic, including referral, clinic letters and a clinic questionnaire. Results: There were 106 females, 43 males and five transgender patients. Sensory (51%), motor (47%) and seizures (39%) were the commonest functional symptoms. Most patients (92%) reported stressors associated with symptom onset. Multiple trauma/symptom type associations were found: patients with in-law problems experienced more cognitive symptoms ( p = .036), for example, while expressive speech problems more commonly followed relationship difficulties ( p = .021). Conclusion: Associations were found between type of traumatic events and type of symptoms in conversion disorder. This will require verification in a larger sample.


Author(s):  
Marco Onofrj ◽  
Mirella Russo ◽  
Claudia Carrarini ◽  
Stefano Delli Pizzi ◽  
Astrid Thomas ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 240-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Teodoro ◽  
Joana M. Cunha ◽  
Luis F. Abreu ◽  
Mahinda Yogarajah ◽  
Mark J. Edwards

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-138
Author(s):  
Gareth Hutchinson ◽  
Stefanie Caroline Linden

Purpose This study aims to explore views and attitudes of doctors, patients and medical students in regard to Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), a common presentation in neurological and psychiatric practice. Design/methodology/approach We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 clinicians and obtained online questionnaires from 21 patients and 75 medical students. We applied thematic analysis. Findings The clinician and patient surveys highlighted the importance of the therapeutic relationship and need for transparent communication. However, patients criticised excessive reliance on online resources in doctor–patient communication. They also emphasised the relevance of triggering life events, which was not a prominent theme for clinicians. Medical students had only scant knowledge of the concept of functional neurological disorder. Practical implications A good therapeutic relationship is considered central for outcome of FND by both clinicians and patients. The survey of medical students has identified considerable gaps in undergraduate medical education in FND. The patient survey can inform recommendations for the explanation of aetiological models and treatment options in clinical practice. Originality/value This is the first study exploring the attitudes of clinicians, medical students and patients to FND. The study highlights potential areas of disagreement between these groups.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex J Berry ◽  
Sarah Wiethoff

ABSTRACT We report a case of a 62-year-old female diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND), where the diagnosis was eventually revised to progressive supranuclear palsy 3 years after symptom onset. FND is a commonly encountered condition and can be diagnosed with a considerable degree of confidence in most cases. FND is associated with significant functional impairment and may occur alongside other neurological disorders, and there is now a growing evidence base for symptom-specific FND treatments. Charting clinical progression of symptoms and serial neuroimaging were useful in refining the diagnosis in this case. Alhough the diagnosis was ultimately revised to a neurodegenerative disorder, a degree of functional overlay likely remained present. The case highlights the importance of recognizing and avoiding diagnostic overshadowing in those with FND.


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