Interdisciplinary rehabilitation approach for functional neurological symptom (conversion) disorder: A case study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD), previously known as conversion disorder, presents complex challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
• Mixed symptoms, including motor dysfunction, require a comprehensive and integrated therapeutic strategy.

Observation:

• An adult patient presented with escalating neurological symptoms without identifiable organic pathology.
• An interdisciplinary team, including physiatry, neuro-rehabilitation psychology, and various therapies (occupational, physical, recreational, speech), managed the patient's care.
• Care coordination and psychologically informed therapies were central to the treatment plan within the rehabilitation setting.

Findings:

• A diagnosis of FNSD was established 5 weeks post-admission.
• The patient experienced complete symptom remission by 13 weeks after admission.
• Symptom resolution was sustained at a 6-month follow-up after discharge.

Implications:

• Rehabilitation settings provide an optimal environment for managing FNSD due to their structured, multidisciplinary approach.
• This case underscores the potential for significant recovery in FNSD patients through integrated care.
• The findings support the expansion of specialized FNSD rehabilitation programs.