Functional (Psychogenic) Neurological Disorders: Assessment and Acute Management in the Emergency Department

Jordan R. Anderson, Vihang Nakhate, Christopher D. Stephen, David L. Perez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Functional neurological disorders (FND) are complex and prevalent neuropsychiatric conditions. Importantly, some patients with FND develop acute onset symptoms requiring emergency department (ED) evaluations. Historically, FND was a rule-out diagnosis, making assessment and management in the ED difficult. While the rapid triage of potential neurological emergencies remains the initial task, advancements have altered the approach to FND. FND is now a rule-in diagnosis based on validated neurological examination signs and semiological features. In this perspective article, we review signs and semiological features that can help guide the initial assessment of FND in the acute setting. Thereafter, we outline potential approaches to introduce a suspected diagnosis of FND to patients in the ED, while emphasizing the need for a comprehensive neurological evaluation. Physical and occupational therapy may be useful adjunct assessments in some individuals. Notably, clinicians in the ED setting are important members of the interdisciplinary approach to FND.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)102-114
Number of pages13
JournalSeminars in Neurology
Volume39
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • conversion disorder
  • functional movement disorders
  • functional paralysis
  • psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Functional (Psychogenic) Neurological Disorders: Assessment and Acute Management in the Emergency Department'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this