Functional visual loss Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is Functional Visual Loss (FVL)?
A condition in which a patient reports visual symptoms not explained by pathology of ocular structures and the visual system.
What is the relationship between FVL and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?
FVL is a subtype of Functional Neurological Disorder.
What distinguishes organic visual loss from functional visual loss?
Organic visual loss has a demonstrable visual cause, while functional visual loss does not.
What are Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS)?
A broad range of clinical presentations where symptoms aren’t explained by medical investigation.
What is the incidence of FND in children?
Affects 1 in 10 children.
What are some common co-morbidities associated with FVL?
- Non-epileptic seizures
- Anxiety / depression
- Stress
- Trauma
- Abuse
- Significant life events
True or False: Functional Illness is intentional and fabricated.
False.
What is malingering?
Purposeful feigning or exaggeration of symptoms for clear secondary gain.
What is factitious disorder?
Knowingly and intentionally claiming visual loss/symptoms with no specific gain, often assuming the sick role.
Describe somatoform disorders.
Occurs outside the person’s conscious awareness; not intentionally faking symptoms.
What are the challenges in diagnosing FVL?
No objective pathology; diagnosis requires positive findings of ‘functional’ to support it.
List some typical presentations of eye problems in FVL.
- Vision loss – unilateral or bilateral
- Convergence spasm
- Field defects / loss of peripheral vision
- Loss of eye movements
What are some common visual symptoms reported by patients with FVL?
- Loss of stereopsis
- Convergence defect
- Accommodation defect
- Difficulty reading
- Photophobia
What is the role of the orthoptist in FVL diagnosis?
Measure visual functions and assess whether symptoms fit with visual function.
What is the importance of documenting patient observations in FVL cases?
Precise, clear documentation is essential for understanding the patient’s condition.
What are some management strategies for FVL?
- Reassurance
- Addressing underlying causes
- Psychiatric referral
- Supportive care
What is the impact of positivity on recovery from FVL?
Positivity about visual function has been shown to aid recovery.
Fill in the blank: The clinician’s role includes establishing if normal structure and function _______.
[correlate with symptoms]
What treatment options might be beneficial for patients with FVL?
- Yoga
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Being in nature
What is the significance of family support in managing FVL?
Support for parents/family helps them understand the condition and avoid punitive measures.
What is the risk of misdiagnosis in FVL?
There is a high rate of misdiagnosis, which can lead to overlooking organic conditions.
What should clinicians be cautious of when diagnosing functional visual loss?
Original diagnosis may later reveal neuro-ophthalmic disease.
What is the potential psychological impact of stress and trauma on FVL?
Stress and trauma are risk factors that can exacerbate functional visual loss.
