Neurology residents' education in functional seizures

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Education
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Functional seizures (FS) are a common subtype of functional neurological disorder (FND).
• Neurologists frequently manage patients with FS, necessitating specialized training.
• Existing neurology residency curricula may not adequately address FS education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current educational landscape for neurology residents regarding functional seizures.
• To identify educational gaps in the diagnosis and management of FS within neurology residencies.
• To inform the development of standardized FS training models.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to neurology residency program directors and recent graduates.
• The survey assessed the content and methods of functional seizure education during residency.
• Response rate was 17%.

Main Results:

• Education on FS primarily occurred in Epilepsy Monitoring Units and through didactic lectures.
• The majority of programs lacked specific curricula for FS diagnosis communication and evidence-based treatments.
• 18% of residents reported no training in communicating FS diagnoses; 77% received no treatment training.

Conclusions:

• A significant curriculum gap exists in neurology residency training for functional seizures.
• Current educational approaches are insufficient for preparing residents in FS diagnosis and management.
• A standardized educational model is proposed to address these deficiencies.