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McLoughlin C, McWhirter L, Pisegna K, Tijssen MAJ, Tak LM, Carson A, Stone J. Stigma in functional neurological disorder (FND) - A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 112:102460. [PMID: 38905960 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate stigma and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) regarding: 1) prevalence and associated factors, 2) the nature and context of stigma in FND, and 3) stigma-reduction interventions. METHODS We searched four relevant databases from inception to December 2023, using search terms relevant to FND and stigma themes. We employed the method of synthesis by "aggregation and configuration" to synthesise and analyse the data into emergent themes. RESULTS We found 127 studies, spanning 148 countries, involving 18,886 participants. Of these, 4889 were patients, 13,123 were healthcare professionals, and 526 were caregivers. Quantitatively, stigma has been mainly studied in patients with functional seizures, and was higher than patients with epilepsy in three studies. Stigma experienced by patients is associated with poorer quality of life and caregiver burden. We found 10 themes and 29 subthemes revealing stigma as a systemic process, with intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural aspects. Few studies examined the perspective of caregivers, the public or online community. We identified six anti-stigma interventions. CONCLUSION Stigma in FND is a layered process, and affects patient quality of life and provision of care. Stigma needs to be addressed from the top structures, at governmental level, so that appropriate care pathways can be created, giving patients with FND parity of esteem with other medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caoimhe McLoughlin
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Laura McWhirter
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marina A J Tijssen
- UMCG Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lineke M Tak
- Dimence Alkura, Specialist center Persistent Somatic Symptoms, Nico Bolkensteinlaan 65, 7416 SE Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Alan Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Ricci E, Turner K, De Ponti E, Ferrera G, Zambrelli EOT, Tumminelli G, Canevini MP, Vignoli A, Chiesa V. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in individuals with intellectual disability/borderline cognitive function: Characterization through a comparison study. Seizure 2024; 121:1-7. [PMID: 39033709 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We set out to characterize psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in individuals with either intellectual disability (ID) or borderline intellectual function (BIF) in comparison to those with normal cognitive function. We aimed to identify differences between the two groups to improve clinical management protocols. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, observational, single-center study. The medical records of individuals (aged ≥ 14 years) diagnosed with PNES, confirmed through video-electroencephalography (vEEG) at a specialized epilepsy center between January 2008 and December 2021, were reviewed. We restricted our study to individuals who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations. Furthermore, demographic, clinical, and neuropsychological data with potential prognostic indicators, alongside the reevaluation of vEEG recordings were studied. We compared two study groups based on intelligence quotient (IQ): individuals without ID (IQ≥85; n = 25) and those with either mild ID or BIF (n = 25). RESULTS No statistically significant clinical differences were observed between the two groups. Individuals with mild ID/BIF didn't show a longer diagnostic delay, and the prescription of inappropriate antiseizure medications (ASMs) was comparable in both cohorts. Most individuals with mild ID/BIF were treated with behavioral psychotherapeutic approaches with similar outcomes in both subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with mild ID/BIF and PNES don't differ in clinical management. Demographic and clinical data, as well as semiology, were comparable to those of individuals with normal cognitive function. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) appears to be an effective treatment approach for individuals with and without mild ID/BIF. Further studies are needed to validate and ascertain their possible applicability in individuals with moderate/severe ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Ricci
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Katherine Turner
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele De Ponti
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Ferrera
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elena Oriele Teresa Zambrelli
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gemma Tumminelli
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Canevini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Aglaia Vignoli
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Chiesa
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Joos A, Popkirov S, Lahmann C, Jöbges M, Herrmann C, Maner P, Schörner K, Birke G, Hartmann A. Illness perception in functional neurological disorder: low illness coherence and personal control. BMJ Neurol Open 2024; 6:e000648. [PMID: 38800069 PMCID: PMC11116876 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2024-000648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Illness perception refers to patients' subjective representations and appraisals of somatic and mental symptoms. These are relevant for self-management and outcome. In clinical practice, patients with functional neurological disorder (FND) often encounter a fragmented biomedical attitude, which leaves them without clear concepts. In this context, illness perception is relevant. Methods Illness perception was assessed in FND patients and compared with samples of psychosomatic patients (PSM) as well as poststroke patients (STR). The three samples (FND, n=87; PSM, n=97 and STR, n=92) were almost all in inpatient treatment or rehabilitation. Illness perception was assessed with the revised German version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R). For assessments of correlations, depressive symptoms were tested with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, dissociative and functional neurological symptoms by the German adaption of the Dissociative Experiences Scale and biopsychosocial complexity by the INTERMED Self-Assessment questionnaire. Results Apart from the chronicity subscale, all dimensions of the IPQ-R differed between groups. FND patients perceived lower illness coherence and personal control than both other groups and attributed their illness more to chance than to behavioural risk factors. PSM patients had the strongest emotional representations. There were only few correlations with dissociative scores and biopsychosocial complexity. Conclusion Illness perception is an important issue in patients with FND with particular emphasis on low illness coherence and personal control. Missing associations with biopsychosocial complexity suggest that subjective illness perception is an important complementary but separate issue, which likely influences therapeutic alliance and self-management in FND. Future studies should assess its influences on outcome. Trial registration number DRKS00024685; German Clinical Trials Register; www.drks.de.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Joos
- Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | | | - Claas Lahmann
- Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Michael Jöbges
- Kliniken Schmieder Konstanz, Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Maner
- Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Kai Schörner
- Kliniken Schmieder Gailingen, Gailingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Gunnar Birke
- Kliniken Schmieder Gailingen, Gailingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Armin Hartmann
- Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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Regnath F, Biersack K, Jäger N, Glasauer S, Lehnen N. Not a general, symptom-unspecific, transdiagnostic marker for functional symptoms: sensorimotor processing of head control is intact in chronic pain. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1294702. [PMID: 38174100 PMCID: PMC10762802 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1294702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Functional disorders are prevalent in all medical fields and pose a tremendous public health problem, with pain being one of the most common functional symptoms. Understanding the underlying, potentially unifying mechanism in functional (pain) disorders is instrumental in facilitating timely diagnosis, stigma reduction, and adequate treatment options. Neuroscientific models of perception suggest that functional symptoms arise due to dysregulated sensorimotor processing in the central nervous system, with brain-based predictions dominating the eventual percept. Experimental evidence for this transdiagnostic mechanism has been established in various functional symptoms. The goal of the current study was to investigate whether erroneous sensorimotor processing is an underlying transdiagnostic mechanism in chronic (functional) pain. Method A total of 13 patients with chronic (functional) pain [three patients with chronic (functional) pain disorder, F45.40, ICD-10; 10 patients with chronic pain disorder with somatic and psychological factors, F45.41, ICD-10]; and 15 healthy controls performed large combined eye-head gaze shifts toward visual targets, naturally and with increased head moment of inertia. We simultaneously measured participants' eye and head movements to assess head oscillations at the end of the gaze shift, which are an established indicator of (transdiagnostic) sensorimotor processing deficits of head control. Results Using a Bayesian analysis protocol, we found that patients with chronic (functional) pain and control participants stabilized their heads equally well (Bayes Factor 01 = 3.7, Bayes Factor exclusion = 5.23; corresponding to substantial evidence) during all sessions of the experiment. Conclusion Our results suggest that patients with chronic (functional) pain do not show measurable symptom-unspecific sensorimotor processing deficits. We discuss outcome parameter choice, organ system specificity, and selection of patient diagnoses as possible reasons for this result and recommend future avenues for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Regnath
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM Graduate School, Graduate Center of Medicine and Health (GC MH), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Biersack
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM Graduate School, Graduate Center of Medicine and Health (GC MH), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Jäger
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM Graduate School, Graduate Center of Medicine and Health (GC MH), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Glasauer
- Computational Neuroscience, Institute of Medical Technology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Cottbus, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Cottbus, Germany
| | - Nadine Lehnen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Medical Technology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Cottbus, Germany
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Sireci F, Moretti V, Cavallieri F, Ferrari S, Minardi V, Ferrari F, Balestra GL, Ghirotto L, Valzania F. "Somewhere Between an Actual Disease and a Disease": A Grounded Theory Study on Diagnosing Functional Neurological Disorders From a Multi-Informant Perspective. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2023:10497323231216346. [PMID: 38031806 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231216346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Functional Neurological Disorders are characterized by sensory-motor or cognitive symptoms. Recent research has revealed their complex nature involving biological, psychological, and social factors. Care requires a multidisciplinary approach, which, to date, has yet to be considered. A Constructivist Grounded Theory study was conducted to understand the reasons behind this, exploring Functional Neurological Disorders diagnosis, communication, and understanding from multiple perspectives (patients and healthcare professionals). The core category was "negotiating Functional Neurological Disorders meanings and care amid a dissatisfying dichotomy," with sub-categories: i) seeking to "word" the disease, ii) exposing reductionism, and iii) a pluralist vision emerging. Diagnosing and communicating Functional Neurological Disorders is a process of negotiating meanings and care that hinges on participants' diverse ontological perspectives regarding the condition. Results highlight the difficulty in finding common ground and achieving mutual understanding among the various viewpoints, creating a challenge in establishing a unified approach to Functional Neurological Disorders care. In this context, only a few healthcare professionals emphasized the potential benefits of increased integration. A shift is required from a reductionist to an integrated biopsychosocial perspective to develop a more cohesive approach. Defining a medical paradigm through dialogue with teams and patients is essential in addressing Functional Neurological Disorders effectively. Furthermore, the required interdisciplinary approach holds the potential to mitigate the dissatisfaction arising from fragmented and compartmentalized care (the "dissatisfying dichotomy") experienced by our participants. It signifies a comprehensive strategy that could address the concerns of all involved parties and enhance the overall quality of care provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sireci
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Valentina Moretti
- Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Valentina Minardi
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrari
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giulietta Luul Balestra
- Qualitative Research Unit, Scientific Directorate, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Ghirotto
- Qualitative Research Unit, Scientific Directorate, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Franco Valzania
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Cabreira V, Knight K, Wong C. The Mad Women's Ball. Pract Neurol 2023; 23:552-553. [PMID: 37536927 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2023-003873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Cabreira
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kathryn Knight
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Charis Wong
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Gadama Y. Functional neurological disorder is a feminist issue. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2023; 94:873. [PMID: 37147118 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-331597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yohane Gadama
- Division of Neurology, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
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Joos A, Herrmann C, Lahmann C, Flottman M, Jansen T, Schede C, Maner P, Schörner K, von Husen DK, Jöbges M, Hartmann A. Biopsychosocial complexity in functional neurological disorder. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2023; 84:44-46. [PMID: 37379722 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is considered a biopsychosocial disorder nowadays, with chronicity in >50% of cases. The INTERMED Self-Assessment Questionnaire (IMSA) assesses the various domains and indicates biopsychosocial complexity. OBJECTIVE FND patients were compared with a sample of psychosomatic (PSM) patients as well as post-stroke patients. METHODS The three samples (N = 287 altogether) were largely in inpatient and day clinic psychotherapeutic treatment or inpatient neurological rehabilitation. The IMSA covers all three biopsychosocial domains as well as health care utilisation in the time frame of the past, the present and the future. In addition, affective burden (GAD-7, PHQ-9), somatoform symptoms (PHQ-15), dissociation (FDS) and quality of life (SF-12) were evaluated. RESULTS FND and PSM patients scored highly in the IMSA, with ≥70% regarded as complex, compared to 15% of post-stroke patients. Affective, somatoform and dissociation scores were high in FND and PSM patients. Mental and somatic quality of life were lower in these groups compared to post-stroke patients. DISCUSSION FND patients showed high biopsychosocial strain, similar to a typical sample of inpatient and day clinic, i.e. severely affected, PSM patients, and they were more affected than post-stroke patients. These data emphasize that FND should be evaluated with a biopsychosocial perspective. The IMSA likely represents a valuable tool, which has to be assessed by further longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Joos
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ortenau Klinikum, Lahr, Germany.
| | - Christoph Herrmann
- Kliniken Schmieder, Clinics for Neurologic Rehabilitation and Psychotherapeutic Neurologic Rehabilitation, Gailingen, Germany
| | - Claas Lahmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Merle Flottman
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Jansen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Schede
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Maner
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kai Schörner
- Kliniken Schmieder, Clinics for Neurologic Rehabilitation and Psychotherapeutic Neurologic Rehabilitation, Gailingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Klaasen von Husen
- Kliniken Schmieder, Clinics for Neurologic Rehabilitation and Psychotherapeutic Neurologic Rehabilitation, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Michael Jöbges
- Kliniken Schmieder, Clinics for Neurologic Rehabilitation and Psychotherapeutic Neurologic Rehabilitation, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Armin Hartmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine und Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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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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