Conversion reaction presenting as a polyradiculonevritis.
OBJECTIVE
To show that conversion reactions should be suspected when symptomatology or instrumental checking does not conform to a precise pathological pattern in its anatomical and physiological keys.


METHODS
We report the case of a 14-y-old girl who presented with signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barré polyradiculonevritis. Negative instrumental and laboratory tests led us to consider a possible diagnosis of conversion reaction.


RESULTS
After a more detailed history emphasizing the close bond between the patient and her father, a poor peer-relation exchange and psychological stress, we were able to identify conversion reactions through the patient's motor signs.


CONCLUSIONS
Conversion symptoms must be suspected and searched for when the neurologic outline is difficult to clarify, and also in the case of Guillain-Barré syndrome that does not respond to plasmapheresis.
Rigante
D
D
Department of Paediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy. iclpe@rm.unicatt.it
Torrioli
M G
MG
Ferrara
P
P
Buonuomo
P S
PS
Pulitanò
S
S
Stabile
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index