Clinical briefing : functional neurological symptom disorder

Ratcliffe, SM

Abstract

Functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD), also known as somatoform or conversion disorder, is a relatively common neurological condition. The symptoms vary, and can include both motor and sensory neurological signs. Although misunderstandings still exist, recent progress has been made as to the causes of FNSD within the area of functional imaging, helping to unravel the underlying aetiology and neurobiology of FNSD. A range of management and treatment options, including physical, pharmacological and psychological therapies, are available to people who have been diagnosed. There is a dearth of information within the nursing literature to educate and support nursing practice and decision making about people with FNSD. Consequently, approaches to the nursing care and management are often ad hoc and rely on research from other health disciplines. Nonetheless, there is now an emerging body of evidence to support specific management pathways to treat and manage FNSD. Neuroscience nurses are in a key position to embrace such pathways and influence the care offered to people with FNSD within the inpatient neurology setting.

Citation

Ratcliffe, S. (2017). Clinical briefing : functional neurological symptom disorder. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 13(5), 211-219. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjnn.2017.13.5.211

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 1, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Oct 26, 2017
• Publication Date: Oct 26, 2017
• Deposit Date: Dec 1, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 26, 2018
• Journal: British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing
• Print ISSN: 1747-0307
• Publisher: MA Healthcare
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 211-219
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjnn.2017.13.5.211
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/bjnn.2017.13.5.211
• Related Public URLs: http://www.magonlinelibrary.com/toc/bjnn/current