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Outpatient Approach to Occupational Therapy for Paroxysmal Functional Neurologic Symptoms: Sensory Modulation
Jessica Ranford1, Julie MacLean1
1Functional Neurological Disorder Unit and Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Wang Ambulatory Care Center 8th Floor, Suite 835, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Wang Ambulatory Care Center 1st Floor, Suite 127, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Occupational therapy (OT) is an important treatment modality for patients with paroxysmal functional neurologic disorder (FND) symptoms. In our clinical experience, an outpatient, OT-based sensory modulation treatment can address sensory processing difficulties often endorsed by patients with paroxysmal motor FND and functional seizures. This article aims to describe in detail the goals and treatment strategies for occupational therapists to replicate this approach. This article is also an important first step in aiding the development and execution of clinical trials to further evaluate the effectiveness of sensory-based treatment in patients with FND.
