Hypnosis in the Treatment of Pediatric Functional Neurological Disorder: The Magic Glove Technique

The treatment of functional neurological disorder (FND), previously referred to as conversion disorder, can be challenging. Despite these challenges and with increased understanding of this condition, new treatment options are emerging. One such treatment is hypnosis, which has a long history of use in the treatment of FND. Jean-Martin Charcot, considered by many to be the father of modern neurology, used therapeutic hypnosis as early as the 19^th century. In this report, we discuss the novel use of a hypno-anesthetic technique (the magic glove) for treatment of FND presenting as diplegia. We illustrate the use of the technique with the case of a 9-year-old girl who suffered from chronic pain and lower extremity weakness secondary to FND. With the magic glove technique, she improved rapidly and was free of symptoms by her sixth month follow-up visit. We review the current literature on FND interventions and emphasize the need for continued research in this field.