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Van Patten R, Bellone JA. The neuropsychology of functional neurological disorders. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2023; 45:957-969. [PMID: 38441076 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2024.2322798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Van Patten
- VA Providence Healthcare System, Center for Neurorestoration & Neurotechnology, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - John A Bellone
- Department of Behavioral Health, Kaiser Permanente, San Bernardino, CA, USA
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Higson L, O'Brien TJ, Rayner G, Alpitsis R, Winton-Brown T. Content or context? A study protocol for a three-arm parallel randomised controlled trial of R e-PROGRAM, a brief internet-based intervention for patients with functional seizures. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072835. [PMID: 37793938 PMCID: PMC10551981 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Functional seizures (FS) mimic epilepsy but are not caused by epileptic electrical activity in the brain and are believed to have a psychological origin. There is a well-documented gap between the needs of patients with FS and available therapeutic resources. While there is potential for reducing seizure burden in patients via psychosocial intervention, there is no evidence-based care pathway or consistent availability of treatment and no effective pharmacological treatment. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of a novel internet-based intervention in reducing seizure frequency. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A 3-arm parallel randomised controlled trial will compare the efficacy of brief guided internet-based therapy to unguided internet-based therapy and to standard care. Approximately 100 participants with FS will be recruited, with diagnostic criteria based on gold standard video-electroencephalogram (v-EEG) monitoring; patients will be randomly assigned to one of the three study arms. The primary study outcome will be FS frequency at 6 weeks and at follow-up (6 and 12 months) compared with baseline. Seizure frequency will be modelled using Poisson regression. Secondary outcomes include psychosocial functioning, healthcare resource usage, anxiety, depression, somatisation and life impact. Between-group differences will be evaluated using analysis of variance. Analysis of covariance will estimate within-group changes on secondary outcomes. Cognitive and psychological factors will be used as predictors of seizure reduction in exploratory analyses. A qualitative survey using a semi-structured interview will use thematic analyses to explore participants' treatment experiences, their impressions of FS management and perceived mechanisms for change. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by the Human Research and Ethics Committee of the Alfred Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee as part of the Australian Multisite Ethics approval system. Results of the study will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12622000262707.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Higson
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Genevieve Rayner
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rubina Alpitsis
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Toby Winton-Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Watson MM, Kerr WT, Bean M, Strom L. Functional Seizure Clinics: A Proposed Financially Viable Solution to the Neurologist Supply and Demand Mismatch. Neurol Clin Pract 2023; 13:e200179. [PMID: 37529298 PMCID: PMC10389173 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Projections from recent studies suggest that by 2025, there will not be enough neurologists to meet the demand in 41 states. In this study, we investigate the financial impact and improved access to care for persons with epilepsy that is possible by implementing a multidisciplinary treatment clinic for persons with functional seizures (FS), previously referred to as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, thus separating those patients out of an epilepsy clinic. Methods This observational retrospective study used real-time data of 156 patients referred to an FS clinic integrated into a tertiary care epilepsy center to simulate its effect on epilepsy division access and finances. Access was measured using simulations of the number of return patient visits (RPVs) and new patient visits (NPVs) of patients with FS to a dedicated epilepsy clinic, based on survey results inquiring about the standard of care without the FS clinic. Finances were simulated using the resultant access multiplied by respective wRVU and reimbursement per CPT code. Results Treatment of 156 patients with FS in a multidisciplinary FS clinic resulted in 343 newly opened NPVs, reimbursement of $102,000, and 1,200 wRVUs in our dedicated epilepsy clinic. There were 686 RPVs, $103,000 in reimbursement, and 1,320 wRVUs. Relative to the total number of NPVs with epilepsy clinic epileptologists, 343 NPVs represent a biennial 15.5% increase in available new patient visit slots. Discussion Our findings describe the financial viability of integrating a treatment clinic for persons with FS by directing them to FS-specialized treatment and thereby increasing access for patients with probable epilepsy to the dedicated epilepsy clinic. This study provides a potential solution to the national mismatch in the supply and demand of neurologists and an initial framework to use for those who wish to establish or integrate FS services in their institution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan M Watson
- Department of Neurology (MMW, MB, LS), University of Colorado, Aurora; and Department of Neurology (WTK), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Wesley T Kerr
- Department of Neurology (MMW, MB, LS), University of Colorado, Aurora; and Department of Neurology (WTK), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Meagan Bean
- Department of Neurology (MMW, MB, LS), University of Colorado, Aurora; and Department of Neurology (WTK), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Laura Strom
- Department of Neurology (MMW, MB, LS), University of Colorado, Aurora; and Department of Neurology (WTK), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Mavroudis I, Chatzikonstantinou S, Petridis F, Palade OD, Ciobica A, Balmus IM. Functional Overlay Model of Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1028. [PMID: 37508960 PMCID: PMC10377031 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) is a complex and debilitating condition that can develop after head concussions or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). PPCS is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive deficits, and emotional changes, that can persist for months or even years after the initial injury. Despite extensive research, the underlying mechanisms of PPCS are still poorly understood; furthermore, there are limited resources to predict PPCS development in mTBI patients and no established treatment. Similar to PPCS, the etiology and pathogenesis of functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are not clear neither fully described. Nonspecific multifactorial interactions that were also seen in PPCS have been identified as possible predispositions for FND onset and progression. Thus, we aimed to describe a functional overlay model of PPCS that emphasizes the interplay between functional and structural factors in the development and perpetuation of PPCS symptoms. Our model suggests that the initial brain injury triggers a cascade of physiological and psychological processes that disrupt the normal functioning of the brain leading to persistent symptoms. This disruption can be compounded by pre-existing factors, such as genetics, prior injury, and psychological distress, which can increase the vulnerability to PPCS. Moreover, specific interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, neurofeedback, and physical exercise can target the PPCS treatment approach. Thus, the functional overlay model of PPCS provides a new framework for understanding the complex nature of this condition and for developing more effective treatments. By identifying and targeting specific functional factors that contribute to PPCS symptoms, clinicians and researchers can improve the diagnosis, management, and ultimately, outcomes of patients with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Mavroudis
- Department of Neuroscience, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Leeds University, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | - Foivos Petridis
- Third Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Octavian Dragos Palade
- Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 20th Carol I Avenue, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, B dul Carol I, No. 8, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Splaiul Independentei nr. 54, Sector 5, 050094 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Ioana-Miruna Balmus
- Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Alexandru Lapusneanu Street, No. 26, 700057 Iasi, Romania
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Mishra A, Pandey S. Functional Neurological Disorders: Clinical Spectrum, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Neurologist 2022; 27:276-289. [PMID: 35858632 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are common but often misdiagnosed. REVIEW SUMMARY The incidence of FNDs is between 4 and 12 per 100,000, comparable to multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and it is the second most common diagnosis in neurology clinics. Some clues in the history are sudden onset, intermittent time course, variability of manifestation over time, childhood trauma, and history of other somatic symptoms. Anxiety and depression are common, but not necessarily more than in the general population. Although there are no tests currently capable of demonstrating whether symptoms are willfully produced, there may not be a clear categorical difference between voluntary and involuntary symptoms. The prognosis of an FND is linked to early diagnosis and symptom duration, but unfortunately, the majority of the patients are diagnosed after considerable delays. CONCLUSIONS A positive diagnosis of FNDs can be made on the basis of history and neurological signs without reliance on psychological stressors. Past sensitizing events and neurobiological abnormalities contribute to the pathogenesis of FNDs. Physical rehabilitation and psychological interventions alone or in combination are helpful in the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anumeha Mishra
- Department of Neurology, Govind Ballabh Pant Postgraduate institute of medical education and research; New Delhi, India
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Special issue on the intersection between functional seizures and other functional neurological disorders. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2022; 18:100523. [PMID: 35198954 PMCID: PMC8844608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2021.100523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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