Unexplained Symptoms in Neurology Flashcards

1
Q

Give some examples of common unexplained symptoms

A
Poor memory
Poor concentration
Headaches
Altered taste or smell
Tinnitus
Dizziness
Fatigue 
'Funny turns'
Weakness
Tingling 
Pain
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the rights of someone functioning within the Sick Role?

A

Exemption from normal social roles

Not held responsible for their condition

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the obligations of someone functioning under the Sick Role?

A

Should so what they can to get well

Should accept sound medical advice

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the link between unexplained symptoms and employment and benefits?

A

There is an increased likelihood that a patient reported unexplained symptoms will be unemployed and receiving benefits

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Give some terms used to describe unexplained symptoms

A
Medically unexplained symptoms
Functional symptoms
Abnormal illness behaviour
Somatisation
Conversion
Somatoform
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Give some physical autonomic manifestations of anxiety

A
Sweating
Palpitations - subjective?
Tingling
Dizziness
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Urinary frequency
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Give some physical manifestations of anxiety relating to increased motor tone

A

Tremor
Muscle pain
Tiredness
Dysphagia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Give some physical manifestations of anxiety that involve hypervigilance

A

Irritability
Poor concentration
Insomnia
Easily startled

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Give some human functions that can be affected by depression

A
Sleep
Weight
Appetite
Libido
Energy levels
Posture
Pain perception
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe the features of hypochondriasis

A
Preoccupation with disease
Fear of illness
Persistent belief of unidentified disease
Request for repeated reassurance
Request for repeated investigation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe the features of chronic fatigue syndromr

A
Chronic
Fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia
Worse after exertion
Absence of specific physical cause
70% have features of psychiatric diagnosis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is somatisation disorder?

A
An example of abnormal illness behaviour
Chronic
Onset before the age of 30
Multiple unexplained physical symptoms 
Often multiple hospital visits
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is conversion disorder?

A

Previously called hysteria, a loss of function of a body part with signs that mimic neurological disease
Signs are inconsistent, patient not conscious of mechanisms
Information from functional imaging

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Generally speaking, what are the principles of management for unexplained symptoms/disorders of illness behaviour?

A
Primarily to exclude physical disease
To carry out essential Ix
Psychiatric assessment
Multidisciplinary approach
Consider antidepressants 
Consider cognitive behavioural therapy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly