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Baglioni V, Esposito D, Bernardi K, Novelli M, Zaccaria V, Galosi S, Pisani F. Misdiagnosis of functional neurological symptom disorders in paediatrics: Narrative review and relevant case report. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1026-1042. [PMID: 38515429 DOI: 10.1177/13591045241240805] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Functional neurological symptom disorders (FNSD) pose a common challenge in clinical practice, particularly in pediatric cases where the clinical phenotypes can be intricate and easily confused with structural disturbances. The frequent coexistence of FNSDs with other medical disorders often results in misdiagnosis. In this review, we highlight the distinctions between FNSD and various psychiatric and neurological conditions. Contrary to the misconception that FNSD is a diagnosis of exclusion, we underscore its nature as a diagnosis of inclusion, contingent upon recognizing specific clinical features. However, our focus is on a critical learning point illustrated by the case of a 14-year-old male initially diagnosed with FNSD, but subsequently found to have a rare primary monogenic movement disorder (paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, PKD). The crucial takeaway from this case is the importance of avoiding an FNSD diagnosis based solely on psychiatric comorbidity and suppressible symptoms. Instead, clinicians should diligently assess for specific features indicative of FNSD, which were absent in this case. This emphasizes the importance of making a diagnosis of inclusion. Extended follow-up and clinical-oriented genetic testing might help identify comorbidities, prevent misdiagnosis, and guide interventions in complex cases, which cannot be simply classified as "functional" solely because other conditions can be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Baglioni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Italy
| | - Dario Esposito
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Italy
| | - Katerina Bernardi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Italy
| | - Maria Novelli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Italy
| | - Valerio Zaccaria
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Italy
| | - Serena Galosi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Italy
| | - Francesco Pisani
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Italy
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Abujaber AA, Imam Y, Albalkhi I, Yaseen S, Nashwan AJ, Akhtar N. Utilizing machine learning to facilitate the early diagnosis of posterior circulation stroke. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:156. [PMID: 38714968 PMCID: PMC11075305 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03638-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posterior Circulation Syndrome (PCS) presents a diagnostic challenge characterized by its variable and nonspecific symptoms. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aims to enhance the early diagnosis of PCS by employing clinical and demographic data and machine learning. This approach targets a significant research gap in the field of stroke diagnosis and management. METHODS We collected and analyzed data from a large national Stroke Registry spanning from January 2014 to July 2022. The dataset included 15,859 adult patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of stroke. Five machine learning models were trained: XGBoost, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Classification and Regression Trees, and Logistic Regression. Multiple performance metrics, such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, AUC, Matthew's correlation coefficient, log loss, and Brier score, were utilized to evaluate model performance. RESULTS The XGBoost model emerged as the top performer with an AUC of 0.81, accuracy of 0.79, precision of 0.5, recall of 0.62, and F1-score of 0.55. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis identified key variables associated with PCS, including Body Mass Index, Random Blood Sugar, ataxia, dysarthria, and diastolic blood pressure and body temperature. These variables played a significant role in facilitating the early diagnosis of PCS, emphasizing their diagnostic value. CONCLUSION This study pioneers the use of clinical data and machine learning models to facilitate the early diagnosis of PCS, filling a crucial gap in stroke research. Using simple clinical metrics such as BMI, RBS, ataxia, dysarthria, DBP, and body temperature will help clinicians diagnose PCS early. Despite limitations, such as data biases and regional specificity, our research contributes to advancing PCS understanding, potentially enhancing clinical decision-making and patient outcomes early in the patient's clinical journey. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying physiological mechanisms and validate these findings in broader populations and healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad A Abujaber
- Nursing Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Yahia Imam
- Neurology Section, Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Ibrahem Albalkhi
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond St, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Said Yaseen
- School of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Abdulqadir J Nashwan
- Nursing Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Naveed Akhtar
- Neuroradiology Department, Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
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Ramadan SM, Rayessa R, Esisi B. Diagnostic challenges of focal neurological deficits during an acute take-Is this vascular?: Clinical hints, pearls and pitfalls. Clin Med (Lond) 2024; 24:100037. [PMID: 38583805 PMCID: PMC11046228 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinme.2024.100037] [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] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Stroke and TIAs are amongst the common neurological presentations encountered by specialists and non-specialist health care providers. Despite the advances of neuroimaging techniques, clinicians are frequently faced with diagnostic challenges on evaluation of patients with suspected stroke. In this review, we discuss the characteristic features of cerebrovascular diseases and how to identify them. We also aim to provide a resource for non-stroke specialist clinicians to help them to correctly identify the symptoms and signs of disorders that may masquerade as stroke such as migraine, seizure, and functional disorder, and at the same time we explore how we can identify strokes that present atypically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bernard Esisi
- Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
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Coebergh J, Habib S, Teodoro T, Edwards M, Butler M. From Software to Hardware: A Case Series of Functional Neurological Symptoms and Cerebrovascular Disease. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 36:206-213. [PMID: 38343312 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20220182] [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] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neuroimaging studies have identified alterations in both brain structure and functional connectivity in patients with functional neurological disorder (FND). For many patients, FND emerges from physical precipitating events. Nevertheless, there are a limited number of case series in the literature that describe the clinical presentation and neuroimaging correlates of FND following cerebrovascular disease. METHODS The authors collected data from two clinics in the United Kingdom on 14 cases of acute, improving, or delayed functional neurological symptoms following cerebrovascular events. RESULTS Most patients had functional neurological symptoms that were localized to cerebrovascular lesions, and the lesions mapped onto regions known to be part of functional networks disrupted in FND, including the thalamus, anterior cingulate gyrus, insula, and temporoparietal junction. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate that structural lesions can lead to FND symptoms, possibly explained through changes in relevant mechanistic functional networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Coebergh
- St. George's University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Coebergh, Teodoro); Department of Neurology, Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Chertsey, United Kingdom (Coebergh, Teodoro); St. John's Institute of Dermatology, London (Habib); Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Edwards, Butler)
| | - Shabana Habib
- St. George's University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Coebergh, Teodoro); Department of Neurology, Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Chertsey, United Kingdom (Coebergh, Teodoro); St. John's Institute of Dermatology, London (Habib); Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Edwards, Butler)
| | - Tiago Teodoro
- St. George's University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Coebergh, Teodoro); Department of Neurology, Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Chertsey, United Kingdom (Coebergh, Teodoro); St. John's Institute of Dermatology, London (Habib); Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Edwards, Butler)
| | - Mark Edwards
- St. George's University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Coebergh, Teodoro); Department of Neurology, Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Chertsey, United Kingdom (Coebergh, Teodoro); St. John's Institute of Dermatology, London (Habib); Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Edwards, Butler)
| | - Matt Butler
- St. George's University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Coebergh, Teodoro); Department of Neurology, Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Chertsey, United Kingdom (Coebergh, Teodoro); St. John's Institute of Dermatology, London (Habib); Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Edwards, Butler)
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Finkelstein SA, Popkirov S. Functional Neurological Disorder: Diagnostic Pitfalls and Differential Diagnostic Considerations. Neurol Clin 2023; 41:665-679. [PMID: 37775197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Functional neurologic disorder (FND) is a "rule-in" diagnosis, characterized by positive examination signs or semiological features. Similar to other clinical diagnoses, providers should ideally see robustly present features, including if possible the identification of multiple features consistent with FND for the diagnosis to be made with a high degree of certainty. Diagnostic pitfalls need to be guarded against and vary depending on FND symptom subtype and the specific patient presentation. This perspective article aims to review pitfalls based on an FND symptom subtype, as well as discuss differential diagnostic considerations with respect to both neurologic and psychiatric entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Finkelstein
- Department of Neurology, Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 20114, USA.
| | - Stoyan Popkirov
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, Bochum 44892, Germany.
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Pu MJ, Yu JL, Hu X, Deng L, Chen C, Lv XN, Li ZQ, Wang ZJ, Xie P, Li Q. Incidence, characteristics and outcome of post-stroke recrudescence in the Chinese population: a single-centre observational study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068878. [PMID: 37709315 PMCID: PMC11148692 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068878] [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] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of our observational study was to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics and outcome of post-stroke recrudescence (PSR) in the Chinese population. DESIGN AND SETTING Single-centre prospective observational study in China. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1114 patients who had a suspected stroke were prospectively screened from October 2020 to February 2022. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with functional independence defined as a score of 0-2 on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were: early neurological improvement (ENI), defined as a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 0 or an improvement of ≥2 points from admission at 24 hours; mortality within 3 months; stroke recurrence within 3 months and length of stay in hospital. RESULTS A total of 959 patients with cerebral infarction and 30 patients without an available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan were excluded. Among the 125 included patients, 27 cases of PSR (2.4%), 50 cases of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) (4.5%) and 48 cases of stroke mimics (SMs) (4.3%) were identified. A higher frequency of infection at admission (22.2% vs 2%, p=0.007) was observed in patients with PSR compared with patients with TIA, and a lower proportion of functional independence at 3 months (80% vs 98%, p=0.015) was seen. Patients with TIA had a higher frequency of ENI compared with patients with PSR and SMs (98% vs 59.3%, p<0.001; 98% vs 52.1%, p<0.001). Patients with PSR exhibited a higher frequency of grade 2 Fazekas deep white matter hyperintensity compared with those with SMs (33.3% vs 8.3%, p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS PSR is not uncommon in patients presenting with stroke symptoms and can be distinguished from TIA and SMs based on a combination of clinical features and trigger in the Chinese population. The neurological deficits of patients with PSR often resolve within several days following the resolution of the trigger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Jun Pu
- Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia-Lun Yu
- Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lan Deng
- Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chu Chen
- Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin-Ni Lv
- Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zuo-Qiao Li
- Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zi-Jie Wang
- Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Xie
- Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Li
- Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Dusara K, Davies S, Lee Y. Functional neurological disorder: a review. Br Dent J 2023; 235:112-116. [PMID: 37500857 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-023-6054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Functional neurological disorder is a common condition which may present to dental professionals. The dental team need to be aware of its varying presentation and the impact this can have on dental management. An overview on functional neurological disorder will be provided, as well as information regarding three patient cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Dusara
- Speciality Trainee in Special Care Dentistry, CDS-CIC Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.
| | - Steve Davies
- Specialist in Special Care Dentistry, CDS-CIC Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Yee Lee
- Consultant in Special Care Dentistry, CDS-CIC Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
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Diagnosis of psychogenic (functional) gait disorders. ACTA BIOMEDICA SCIENTIFICA 2023. [DOI: 10.29413/abs.2023-8.1.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychogenic gait is common in patients with medically unexplained neurological symptoms and provides significant challenges to healthcare providers. Clinicians may arrive at a correct diagnosis earlier if distinctive positive signs are identified and acknowledged. Psychogenic disorders of posture and gait are common and are the major manifestation in 8–10 % of patients with psychogenic movement disorders. Psychogenic movement disorders can present with varied phenomenology that may resemble organic movement disorders. The diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation with a supporting history and classic features on neurologic examination. In functional gait disorders, walking is often bizarre and does not conform to any of the usual patterns observed with neurologic gait disorders. Astasia-abasia, an inability to stand (astasia) or walk (abasia) in the absence of other neurologic abnormalities, was the term applied by investigators in the mid to late 19thcentury to describe certain patients with a frankly functional gait. Other descriptive terms include gaits that resemble walking on ice, walking a sticky surface, walking through water (bringing to mind excessive slowness), tightrope walking, habitual limping, and bizarre, robotic, knock-kneed, trepidant, anxious, and cautious gaits. Ancillary testing, such as imaging and neurophysiologic studies, can provide supplementary information but is not necessary for diagnosis.
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Varley D, Sweetman J, Brabyn S, Lagos D, van der Feltz-Cornelis C. The clinical management of functional neurological disorder: A scoping review of the literature. J Psychosom Res 2023; 165:111121. [PMID: 36549074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.111121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To date, there have been no reviews bringing together evidence on the clinical management of functional neurological disorder (FND) and patients', caregivers', and healthcare workers' experiences. This review provides an overview of the literature focused on the clinical management of FND. METHODS Four databases were searched, and a consultation exercise was conducted to retrieve relevant records dated from September 2010 to September 2020. Articles documenting diagnostic methods, treatments or interventions, or the experiences and perspectives of patients and healthcare workers in the clinical management of FND were included. RESULTS In total, 2756 records were retrieved, with 162 included in this review. The diagnostic methods reported predominantly included positive clinical signs, v-EEG and EEG. Psychological treatments and medication were the most reported treatments. Mixed findings of the effectiveness of CBT were found. Haloperidol, physiotherapy and scripted diagnosis were found to be effective in reducing FND symptoms. Several facilitators and barriers for patients accessing treatment for FND were reported. CONCLUSION The literature describing the clinical management for FND has increased considerably in recent times. A wide variety of diagnostic tools and treatments and interventions were found, with more focus being placed on tests that confirm a diagnosis than 'rule-out' tests. The main treatment type found in this review was medication. This review revealed that there is a lack of high-quality evidence and reflects the need for official clinical guidelines for FND, providing healthcare workers and patients the support needed to navigate the process to diagnose and manage FND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Varley
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Jennifer Sweetman
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sally Brabyn
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Dimitris Lagos
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Christina van der Feltz-Cornelis
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London NW1 2DA, UK
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Millman LSM, Hunter ECM, David AS, Orgs G, Terhune DB. Assessing responsiveness to direct verbal suggestions in depersonalization-derealization disorder. Psychiatry Res 2022; 315:114730. [PMID: 35870293 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The dissociative disorders and germane conditions are reliably characterized by elevated responsiveness to direct verbal suggestions. However, it remains unclear whether atypical responsiveness to suggestion is similarly present in depersonalization-derealization disorder (DDD). 55 DDD patients and 36 healthy controls completed a standardised behavioural measure of direct verbal suggestibility that includes a correction for compliant responding (BSS-C), and psychometric measures of depersonalization-derealization (CDS), mindfulness (FFMQ), imagery vividness (VVIQ), and anxiety (GAD-7). Relative to controls, patients did not exhibit elevated suggestibility (g = 0.26, BF10 = .11) but displayed significantly lower mindfulness (g = 1.38), and imagery vividness (g = 0.63), and significantly greater anxiety (g = 1.39). Although suggestibility did not correlate with severity of depersonalization-derealization symptoms in controls, r = -.03 [95% CI: -.36, .30], there was a weak tendency for a positive association in patients, r = .25, [95% CI: -.03, .48]. Exploratory analyses revealed that patients with more severe anomalous bodily experiences were also more responsive to suggestion, an effect not seen in controls. This study demonstrates that DDD is not characterized by elevated responsiveness to direct verbal suggestions. These results have implications for the aetiology and treatment of this condition, as well as its classification as a dissociative disorder in psychiatric nosology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Merritt Millman
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, 8 Lewisham Way, New Cross, London SE14 6NW, United Kingdom.
| | - Elaine C M Hunter
- Institute of Mental Health, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, Fitzrovia, London W1T 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony S David
- Institute of Mental Health, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, Fitzrovia, London W1T 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Guido Orgs
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, 8 Lewisham Way, New Cross, London SE14 6NW, United Kingdom
| | - Devin B Terhune
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, 8 Lewisham Way, New Cross, London SE14 6NW, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AB, United Kingdom
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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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Mark VW. Functional neurological disorder: Extending the diagnosis to other disorders, and proposing an alternate disease term—Attentionally-modifiable disorder. NeuroRehabilitation 2022; 50:179-207. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-228003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The term “functional neurological disorder,” or “FND,” applies to disorders whose occurrence of neurological symptoms fluctuate with the patient’s attention to them. However, many other disorders that are not called “FND” nonetheless can also follow this pattern. Consequently, guidelines are unclear for diagnosing “FND.” OBJECTIVE: To review the neurological conditions that follow this pattern, but which have not so far been termed “FND,” to understand their overlap with conditions that have been termed “FND,” and to discuss the rationale for why FND has not been diagnosed for them. METHOD: A systematic review of the PubMed literature registry using the terms “fluctuation,” “inconsistency,” or “attention” did not yield much in the way of these candidate disorders. Consequently, this review instead relied on the author’s personal library of peer-reviewed studies of disorders that have resembled FND but which were not termed this way, due to his longstanding interest in this problem. Consequently, this approach was not systematic and was subjective regarding disease inclusion. RESULTS: This review identified numerous, diverse conditions that generally involve fluctuating neurological symptoms that can vary with the person’s attention to them, but which have not been called “FND.” The literature was unclear for reasons for not referring to “FND” in these instances. CONCLUSION: Most likely because of historical biases, the use of the term “FND” has been unnecessarily restricted. Because at its core FND is an attentionally-influenced disorder that can respond well to behavioral treatments, the field of neurological rehabilitation could benefit by extending the range of conditions that could be considered as “FND” and referred for similar behavioral treatments. Because the term “FND” has been viewed unfavorably by some patients and clinical practitioners and whose treatment is not implied, the alternative term attentionally-modifiable disorder is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor W. Mark
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Al Jerdi S, Akhtar N, Mahfoud Z, Kamran S, Shuaib A. Major cardiovascular events in patients presenting with acute stroke: a 5-year follow-up study in patients who had ischaemic stroke and stroke mimics. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053059. [PMID: 35236730 PMCID: PMC8896026 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The long-term acute stroke outcome has not been well studied in the Middle-Eastern population. The primary objective of our study is to compare the long-term outcome of acute ischaemic stroke (IS) with/without previous cerebrovascular/cardiovascular disease (CVD) to stroke mimics (SM) with CVD. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS The Qatar stroke database was reviewed for IS and SM admissions in Qatari Nationals between 2013 and 2019. OUTCOMES Patients were prospectively assessed for development of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction or death. Frequency of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) were compared between patients with or without a previous CVD. RESULTS There were 1114 stroke admissions (633 IS (prior CVD 211/18.9%), 481 SM (prior CVD 159/14.3%)). Patients with IS/CVD were significantly older versus others (IS/CVD: 68.3±12.2; IS/no CVD: 63.3±14.4; SM/CVD: 67.6±13.1; SM/no CVD: 52.4±17.9. p<0.0001). Vascular risk factors were significantly higher in patients with IS and SM with previous CVD. Functional recovery (90-day mRS 0-2) was significantly better in SM/no CVD (IS/CVD: 55.0%; IS/no CVD: 64.2%; SM/CVD 59.7%; SM/no CVD: 88.8%. p<0.001). MACE occurred in 36% (76/211) IS/CVD, 24.9% (105/422) IS/no CVD, 22.0% (35/179) SM/CVD and only 6.8% (22/322) SM/no CVD. MACE occurred mostly during the first year of follow-up. Mortality 90 days was significantly higher in IS/CVD (IS/CVD 36%; IS/no CVD 24.9%; SM/CVD: 22%; SM/no CVD: 6.8%. p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Prior CVD significantly increases the risk of MACE and early mortality in IS or SM patients. Age, male gender, obesity, atrial fibrillation and admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale also increases risk of MACE during follow-up. Hence, aggressive vascular risk factor modification is needed even in patients with SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Al Jerdi
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Naveed Akhtar
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corp, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ziyad Mahfoud
- Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saadat Kamran
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Ad Dawhah, Qatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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H. Buck B, Akhtar N, Alrohimi A, Khan K, Shuaib A. Stroke mimics: incidence, aetiology, clinical features and treatment. Ann Med 2021; 53:420-436. [PMID: 33678099 PMCID: PMC7939567 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.1890205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mimics account for almost half of hospital admissions for suspected stroke. Stroke mimics may present as a functional (conversion) disorder or may be part of the symptomatology of a neurological or medical disorder. While many underlying conditions can be recognized rapidly by careful assessment, a significant proportion of patients unfortunately still receive thrombolysis and admission to a high-intensity stroke unit with inherent risks and unnecessary costs. Accurate diagnosis is important as recurrent presentations may be common in many disorders. A non-contrast CT is not sufficient to make a diagnosis of acute stroke as the test may be normal very early following an acute stroke. Multi-modal CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be helpful to confirm an acute ischaemic stroke and are necessary if stroke mimics are suspected. Treatment in neurological and medical mimics results in prompt resolution of the symptoms. Treatment of functional disorders can be challenging and is often incomplete and requires early psychiatric intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian H. Buck
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Naveed Akhtar
- Neurological Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anas Alrohimi
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khurshid Khan
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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15
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Muhrer J. Functional Neurological Disorder: Overview and a Case Study. J Nurse Pract 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Finkelstein SA, Cortel‐LeBlanc MA, Cortel‐LeBlanc A, Stone J. Functional neurological disorder in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2021; 28:685-696. [PMID: 33866653 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We provide a narrative review of functional neurological disorder (FND, or conversion disorder) for the emergency department (ED). Diagnosis of FND has shifted from a "rule-out" disorder to one now based on the recognition of positive clinical signs, allowing the ED physician to make a suspected or likely diagnosis of FND. PubMed, Google Scholar, academic books, and a hand search through review article references were used to conduct a literature review. We review clinical features and diagnostic pitfalls for the most common functional neurologic presentations to the ED, including functional limb weakness, functional (nonepileptic) seizures, and functional movement disorders. We provide practical advice for discussing FND as a possible diagnosis and suggestions for initial steps in workup and management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel A. Cortel‐LeBlanc
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Queensway Carleton Hospital Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Achelle Cortel‐LeBlanc
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Queensway Carleton Hospital Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
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Barnett C, Mitchell C, Tyson S. The management of patients with functional stroke: speech and language therapists’ views and experiences. Disabil Rehabil 2021; 44:3547-3558. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1867910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Barnett
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claire Mitchell
- Division of Human Communication, Development & Hearing, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Tyson
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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18
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Bennett K, Diamond C, Hoeritzauer I, Gardiner P, McWhirter L, Carson A, Stone J. A practical review of functional neurological disorder (FND) for the general physician. Clin Med (Lond) 2021; 21:28-36. [PMID: 33479065 PMCID: PMC7850207 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2020-0987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We present a practical overview of functional neurological disorder (FND), its epidemiology, assessment and diagnosis, diagnostic pitfalls, treatment, aetiology and mechanism. We present an update on functional limb weakness, tremor, dystonia and other abnormal movements, dissociative seizures, functional cognitive symptoms and urinary retention, and 'scan-negative' cauda equina syndrome. The diagnosis of FND should rest on clear positive evidence, typically from a combination of physical signs on examination or the nature of seizures. In treatment of FND, clear communication of the diagnosis and the involvement of the multidisciplinary team is beneficial. We recommend that patients with FND are referred to specialists with expertise in neurological diagnosis. FND is a common presentation in emergency and acute medical settings and there are many practical elements to making a positive diagnosis and communication which are useful for all physicians to be familiar with.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Alan Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Services, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Services, Edinburgh, UK
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