Unexplained Symptoms in Neurology Flashcards
Give some examples of common unexplained symptoms
Poor memory Poor concentration Headaches Altered taste or smell Tinnitus Dizziness Fatigue 'Funny turns' Weakness Tingling Pain
What are the rights of someone functioning within the Sick Role?
Exemption from normal social roles
Not held responsible for their condition
What are the obligations of someone functioning under the Sick Role?
Should so what they can to get well
Should accept sound medical advice
What is the link between unexplained symptoms and employment and benefits?
There is an increased likelihood that a patient reported unexplained symptoms will be unemployed and receiving benefits
Give some terms used to describe unexplained symptoms
Medically unexplained symptoms Functional symptoms Abnormal illness behaviour Somatisation Conversion Somatoform
Give some physical autonomic manifestations of anxiety
Sweating Palpitations - subjective? Tingling Dizziness Nausea Diarrhoea Urinary frequency
Give some physical manifestations of anxiety relating to increased motor tone
Tremor
Muscle pain
Tiredness
Dysphagia
Give some physical manifestations of anxiety that involve hypervigilance
Irritability
Poor concentration
Insomnia
Easily startled
Give some human functions that can be affected by depression
Sleep Weight Appetite Libido Energy levels Posture Pain perception
Describe the features of hypochondriasis
Preoccupation with disease Fear of illness Persistent belief of unidentified disease Request for repeated reassurance Request for repeated investigation
Describe the features of chronic fatigue syndromr
Chronic Fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia Worse after exertion Absence of specific physical cause 70% have features of psychiatric diagnosis
What is somatisation disorder?
An example of abnormal illness behaviour Chronic Onset before the age of 30 Multiple unexplained physical symptoms Often multiple hospital visits
What is conversion disorder?
Previously called hysteria, a loss of function of a body part with signs that mimic neurological disease
Signs are inconsistent, patient not conscious of mechanisms
Information from functional imaging
Generally speaking, what are the principles of management for unexplained symptoms/disorders of illness behaviour?
Primarily to exclude physical disease To carry out essential Ix Psychiatric assessment Multidisciplinary approach Consider antidepressants Consider cognitive behavioural therapy
