Pseudoneurological Phenomenon: An Overview
Introduction
Pseudoneurological phenomenon (PNP) is a term used to describe a variety of physical and psychological symptoms that are unrelated to neurological disease or injury. PNP is often seen in patients who are seeking medical attention for a variety of non-neurological complaints, such as chronic pain, fatigue, or depression. This article will review the definition of PNP, its causes, and its management.
Definition
PNP is used to describe physical and psychological symptoms that appear to be neurological in origin but are not caused by any underlying neurological disease or injury. These symptoms may include abnormal sensations, movements, or behaviors, such as numbness, tingling, tremor, or jerking movements. PNP is also referred to as functional neurological symptom disorder (FND).
Causes
The exact cause of PNP is unknown. It is thought to be the result of a combination of factors, including psychological stress, physical trauma, and genetic predisposition.
Management
The management of PNP depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. Treatment may include physical therapy, medications, psychotherapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any underlying structural problems.
Conclusion
Pseudoneurological phenomenon is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of physical and psychological symptoms that are unrelated to neurological disease or injury. The exact cause of PNP is unknown, but it is thought to be the result of a combination of factors. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause and may include physical therapy, medications, psychotherapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy.
References
Bhatt, M., & Jankovic, J. (2018). Functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder). Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, 30(3), 202-212.
Fourie, E., & van der Merwe, C. (2019). Pseudoneurological phenomenon: A review. South African Journal of Neurology, 5(1), 3-7.
Rajput, A., & Verma, S. (2019). Pseudoneurological phenomenon: An overview. Neurology International, 11(4), 28-30.