[Functional Neurological Disorder for Neurologists]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Functional neurological disorders (FND) are common in neurological clinics.
• The diagnostic approach has evolved from exclusion to positive diagnosis using specific signs.
• Psychological stressors are recognized as key risk factors for FND.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the shift towards positive diagnosis in FND.
• To emphasize the role of "positive signs" in diagnosing FND.
• To discuss the importance of recognizing subtypes and their shared pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

• Review of current diagnostic approaches for FND.
• Identification and discussion of "positive signs" for FND diagnosis.
• Focus on functional movement disorders and newly reported diagnostic signs.

Main Results:

• Positive signs, indicating incompatibility, are central to modern FND diagnosis.
• Functional movement disorders offer readily detectable positive signs.
• New diagnostic signs reported by Japanese neurologists can enhance FND diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Neurologists are crucial for diagnosing and treating FND.
• The adoption of positive signs facilitates a more accurate and timely FND diagnosis.
• Effective utilization of positive signs, particularly for functional movement disorders, is recommended.