Functional (conversion) neurological symptoms: research since the millennium

• Published in: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry Vol. 83; no. 8; pp. 842 - 850
• Main Authors: Carson, Alan J, Brown, Richard, David, Anthony S, Duncan, Roderick, Edwards, Mark J, Goldstein, Laura H, Grunewald, Richard, Howlett, Stephaine, Kanaan, Richard, Mellers, John, Nicholson, Timothy R, Reuber, M, Schrag, Anette-Eleonore, Stone, Jon, Voon, Valerie
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.08.2012; BMJ Publishing Group; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Brain - pathology; Chronic fatigue syndrome; Conversion Disorder - diagnosis; Conversion Disorder - epidemiology; Conversion Disorder - pathology; Conversion Disorder - physiopathology; Conversion Disorder - psychology; Epidemiology; Functional Neuroimaging; Humans; Medical sciences; Mental disorders; Multiple sclerosis and variants. Guillain barré syndrome and other inflammatory polyneuropathies. Leukoencephalitis; Neurology; Neurosciences; Prognosis; Psychotherapy; Quality of life; Seizures - etiology; Studies; Neurological disorder; Drug conversion; Nervous system diseases
• ISSN: 0022-3050; 1468-330X
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2011-301860

Functional neurological symptoms (FNS) are commonly encountered but have engendered remarkably little academic interest. ‘UK-Functional Neurological Symptoms (UK-FNS)’ was an informal inaugural meeting of UK based clinicians in March 2011 with a variety of research and clinical interests in the field. This narrative review reflects the content of the meeting, and our opinion of key findings in the field since the turn of the millennium.