[Functional neurological symptoms and the positive diagnostic process]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Functional neurological symptoms are prevalent in clinical practice.
• These symptoms, including functional weakness and non-epileptic seizures, lack a clear organic disease explanation.
• Current diagnostic models often rely on psychiatric frameworks, limiting the neurologist's role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge the traditional exclusion-based diagnosis of functional neurological symptoms.
• To propose a positive diagnostic framework for these conditions.
• To highlight the neurologist's role in initiating treatment through a positive diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on functional neurological symptoms.
• Analysis of diagnostic paradigms in neurology and psychiatry.
• Conceptualization of a positive diagnostic approach.

Main Results:

• Functional neurological symptoms are frequently encountered and often misattributed.
• Psychiatric models have historically overshadowed neurological contributions to diagnosis and treatment.
• A positive diagnostic process can be a crucial first step in managing these symptoms.

Conclusions:

• A shift towards a positive diagnostic process is needed for functional neurological symptoms.
• This approach empowers neurologists and facilitates early treatment initiation.
• Rethinking diagnostic frameworks can improve patient outcomes for functional neurological disorders.