Functional Neurological Disorders

Question 1

What is a functional neurological disorder?

Answer 1

Neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by physiology

Question 2

Risk factors for functional neurological disorders

Answer 2

Other neurological disorders

Trauma

Stress

Question 3

Clinical features of functional neurological disorders

Answer 3

Tingling in hands and feet

Tremor

Headaches/migraines

Altered vision

Memory issues

Sleep disturbance

Personality changes

Seizures

Pain that cannot be controlled with normal painkillers

Syncope/loss of consciousness

Question 4

Investigations in functional neurological disorders

Answer 4

Functional MRI

Full set of bloods

Question 5

Management of functional neurological disorders

Answer 5

Sensitive consultation style

Allow patient to talk about their experiences

Screen for underlying mental health problems such as depression and anxiety

Psycho-social support and therapies such as CBT are helpful in reducing symptoms

Extensive investigations unlikely to add to diagnosis and may increase patient’s anxiety

Question 6

What is conversion disorder?

Answer 6

Presentation of neurological symptoms without any underlying neurological cause (e.g. paralysis, pseudoseizures, sensory changes)