Functional neurological disorders (FND): communicating diagnosis
Evidence-based neurology checklist on functional neurological disorders (fnd): communicating diagnosis: Principles of communicating diagnosis Tell the patient what they have before what they do not have Consider the patient’s health concerns Assert the belief that the symptoms are genuine Explain…
Principles of communicating diagnosis
- Tell the patient what they have before what they do not have
- Consider the patient’s health concerns
- Assert the belief that the symptoms are genuine
- Explain what functional symptoms are
- Give positive explanations for symptoms
- Explain the absence of structural problem
- Explain the potential reversibility of symptoms
- Reassure the patient of potential improvement and recovery
- Copy the clinic letter to the patient emphasising the important points
Emphasise positive factors
De-emphasise negative factors
Refer patients to useful websites
References
- Reuber M, Mitchell AJ, Howlett SJ, Crimlisk HL, Grunewald RA. Functional symptoms in neurology: questions and answers. JNNP 2005; 76:307-314.
- Marcus H, Aldam P, Lennox G, Laing R. Medically unexplained neurological symptoms. JRSM Short Rep 2010; 1:25.
- Stone J. Functional neurological disorders: the neurological assessment as treatment. Pract Neurol 2016; 16:7-17.
- Carson AJ, Brown R, David AS, et al. Functional (conversion) neurological symptoms: research since the millennium. JNNP 2012; 83:842-850.
- http://www.neurosymptoms.org/
- And 1 more. Subscribe to see the full list
