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Pediatric functional neurologic symptoms
1Department of Neurology, Westmead Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Insights
Pediatric functional neurologic disorders (FND) share adult similarities, often affecting girls aged 10-14 with polysymptoms like pain and lethargy. Treatment response varies, with some children experiencing prolonged illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Child Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Functional neurologic disorders (FND) in children exhibit significant overlap with adult presentations.
- Understanding pediatric FND offers insights applicable to adult cases and vice versa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review pediatric functional neurologic disorders.
- To discuss diagnosis, controversies, and management strategies for FND in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing knowledge on pediatric FND.
- Discussion of clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Pediatric FND commonly affects girls aged 10-14 years.
- Presentations are often polysymptomatic, including motor dysfunction, pain, and lethargy.
- A common psychosocial context involves perfectionistic children with high demands.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric FND requires a nuanced understanding of its presentation, diagnosis, and psychosocial factors.
- Treatment outcomes for pediatric FND can range from rapid response to prolonged illness.
- Further research into pediatric FND can inform both pediatric and adult clinical practice.
Abstract:
Functional neurologic disorders (FND) of children have many similarities to those of adults, and there is a potential to learn much from the study of FND in children. In this chapter we discuss multiple aspects of pediatric FND. These include their frequency, historic features, the diagnosis, and controversies over the nature of FND and the "correct" name that should be used. We also discuss methods of informing the child and family of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. FND of children typically affect girls in the 10-14-years age range. The presentation is often polysymptomatic, with pain and lethargy accompanying loss of motor function. A common situation is a perfectionistic child who has taken on too much in her academic, sporting, cultural, and social life. Some children respond readily to treatment, but others have a prolonged illness.
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