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Conversion Disorders (conversion + disorders)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences100%

Selected Abstracts

Neurological presentations of conversion disorders in a group of Singapore children

PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2008
Wan-yee Teo
Abstract Background: Neurological presentations of conversion disorders in children are not uncommon. Conversion disorders mimicking neurological conditions constitute a group of underdiagnosed conditions. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 13 children with neurological presentations of conversion disorders who were admitted to hospital. Patients were followed for 1,4 years. Results: Paralysis was the most common neurological symptom, patients presented with multiple, complex conversion symptoms and other neurological symptoms such as seizures and headache. The affected children underwent complete physical, neurological examination and psychological evaluation. Investigations included blood tests, cranial imaging and electroencephalography. Most common external environmental factors detected were school stress and change in family situation. Five of 13 patients had family members who were reported to have medical conditions with presentations similar to patients' neurological and psychological problem. All the patients were admitted, five patients required multiple admissions. Ten patients eventually had good outcome in terms of academic grades and social functioning. Conclusion: Diagnosis of conversion disorders mimicking neurological conditions can be challenging. There is a need to heighten awareness of this entity for early recognition and diagnosis. Awareness of this entity coupled with a high index of suspicion can facilitate accurate and earlier diagnosis. [source]

Suspected Conversion Disorder Foreseeable Risks and Avoidable Errors

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 11 2000
Thomas H. Glick MD
Abstract. The authors reviewed the occurrence in their emergency department of cases of serious neurologic problems initially thought to be conversion disorders or similar psychogenic conditions. Their aim is to indicate the significance of this issue for emergency physicians (EPs) because of its contribution to the incidence of medical errors. Although there are no national statistics, the authors estimate by extrapolation that thousands of such cases probably have occurred and large numbers may still occur each year in the United States, sometimes resulting in patient injury. They have identified ways of anticipating and attempting to prevent such occurrences. Proposed interventions focus on education regarding the difficulty of diagnosis, patient-based risk factors, and physician-based attitudes and thought processes. The authors also include suggestions for systemic "safety nets" that will help to ensure quality of care, such as appropriate imaging and consultation. Review of texts and journals readily accessible to EPs revealed little attention to this subject. [source]

Neurological presentations of conversion disorders in a group of Singapore children

PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2008
Wan-yee Teo
Abstract Background: Neurological presentations of conversion disorders in children are not uncommon. Conversion disorders mimicking neurological conditions constitute a group of underdiagnosed conditions. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 13 children with neurological presentations of conversion disorders who were admitted to hospital. Patients were followed for 1,4 years. Results: Paralysis was the most common neurological symptom, patients presented with multiple, complex conversion symptoms and other neurological symptoms such as seizures and headache. The affected children underwent complete physical, neurological examination and psychological evaluation. Investigations included blood tests, cranial imaging and electroencephalography. Most common external environmental factors detected were school stress and change in family situation. Five of 13 patients had family members who were reported to have medical conditions with presentations similar to patients' neurological and psychological problem. All the patients were admitted, five patients required multiple admissions. Ten patients eventually had good outcome in terms of academic grades and social functioning. Conclusion: Diagnosis of conversion disorders mimicking neurological conditions can be challenging. There is a need to heighten awareness of this entity for early recognition and diagnosis. Awareness of this entity coupled with a high index of suspicion can facilitate accurate and earlier diagnosis. [source]