Functional Neurological Disorder Presenting After Concussion: A Retrospective Case Series

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Most concussion patients recover within weeks.
• A significant minority experience persistent postconcussion symptoms.
• Some persistent symptoms may indicate functional neurological disorder (FND).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between persistent postconcussion symptoms and FND symptoms.
• To characterize patients with FND following a concussion.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 50 patients.
• Analysis of demographic and clinical data.
• Confirmed diagnosis of FND with symptom onset post-concussion.

Main Results:

• Patients with FND post-concussion often had baseline risk factors for both conditions.
• Functional neurological symptoms varied widely (e.g., gait, seizures, weakness, sensory, speech, vision).
• Symptom onset could be abrupt or insidious after the concussive event.

Conclusions:

• Functional neurological symptoms can develop after a concussion.
• FND is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of post-concussion neurological symptoms.
• Failure to recognize FND may negatively impact patient beliefs about their brain injury.