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Functional neurologic symptoms: assessment and management.
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK. Jon.Stone@ed.ac.uk
Neurologic Clinics
|December 22, 2010
Summary
Functional neurologic symptoms, like unexplained weakness, present a diagnostic challenge. This guide offers practical advice on diagnosis, patient communication, and treatment for these nonorganic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Functional neurologic symptoms (FNS) encompass a range of nonorganic presentations.
- These symptoms, including weakness and abnormal movements, challenge conventional neurologic disease models.
Observation:
- FNS are characterized by inconsistency and incongruence with established neurologic pathology.
- Clinicians face diagnostic dilemmas when encountering these psychogenic or dissociative symptoms.
Findings:
- Accurate diagnosis of FNS requires careful clinical evaluation.
- Effective communication strategies are crucial for explaining the diagnosis to patients.
Implications:
- Understanding FNS aids in appropriate patient management.
- Further treatment considerations for functional neurologic symptoms can improve patient outcomes.
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