Functional Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Functional Neurological Disorders (Conversion Disorder)
Valerie Voon1, Andrea E Cavanna1, Kerry Coburn1
1From the Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK (VV); the Behavioural and Clinical Neurosciences Institute, Cambridge, UK (VV); the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK (VV); the Dept. of Neuropsychiatry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK (AC); School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK (AC); the Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA (KC); the Dept. of Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (SS); the Dept. of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque (AR); the United Counseling Service, Bennington, VT (WCL); and the Depts. of Neurology and Psychiatry, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence (WCL).
Abstract:
Much is known regarding the physical characteristics, comorbid symptoms, psychological makeup, and neuropsychological performance of patients with functional neurological disorders (FNDs)/conversion disorders. Gross neurostructural deficits do not account for the patients' deficits or symptoms. This review describes the literature focusing on potential neurobiological (i.e. functional neuroanatomic/neurophysiological) findings among individuals with FND, examining neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies of patients with the various forms of motor and sensory FND. In summary, neural networks and neurophysiologic mechanisms may mediate "functional" symptoms, reflecting neurobiological and intrapsychic processes.
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