Abstract
Introduction: Functional neurological disorders are a frequent reason for consultation in clinical practice and an important cause of disability and costs.
Materials and methods: Narrative review article that summarizes the last two decades in clinical research in this area.
Results: A diverse group of motor, sensory, cognitive, visual symptoms and paroxysmal events are described in which there is no structural lesion of the nervous system, as well as no known neurological disease. In its genesis, biological, neuronal, and environmental factors interact with the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral mechanisms that originate from adverse life experiences and/or maladaptive learning.
Discussion: The diagnosis of these conditions is not made by exclusion but by a clinical approach based on the presence of data in the anamnesis and positive signs in the physical examination. The management of these goes from the first consultation, the communication of the diagnosis, the establishment of trust with the patient, and the use of therapeutic resources such as psychotherapy, physical and occupational therapy.
Conclusions: Throughout this review, we provide the tools to understand functional neurological disorders from their pathophysiology to diagnosis and treatment.
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