title: Pseudoneurologic syndromes: recognition and diagnosis.
abstract: Physicians may encounter patients with a collection of psychologic disorders that present with neurologic symptoms or signs, yet have no identifiable structural or functional etiology within the nervous system. These disorders comprise the so-called pseudoneurologic syndromes, which can mimic almost any organic disease. A careful history and physical examination often can identify the psychologic origin of the symptoms. Presenting syndromes can include pseudoparalysis, pseudosensory syndromes, pseudoseizures, pseudocoma, psychogenic movement disorders and pseudoneuro-ophthalmologic syndromes. These presentations may be distinguished from organic disease by observing signs and symptoms or eliciting test responses that are nonphysiologic and incompatible with organic disease. Once a pseudoneurologic syndrome is identified, patients require compassionate and understanding care to resolve underlying emotional problems.
authors.affiliation: Houston Neurocare, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shaibani
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Sabbagh
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D013577:Syndrome