Long Term Outcomes of Patients with Functional Neurological Disorders

Introduction: The aim of this research is to determine the long-term outcomes of patients with a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorders. Methods: HRA ethics approval was given. Patients with a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder aged 0-16 years were included. Demographics assessed included gender, age at presentation (categories 15 yrs), diagnosis at initial presentation, progression of symptoms and long term outcomes. Diagnostic categories were chronic daily headaches; chronic fatigue syndrome; movement disorders; gait disorders; functional motor, sensory, cranial nerves, cognitive; psychological symptoms and multiple presentations. Long term follow-up outcomes will review current medical issues, current social/psychological implications and educational/career prospects via telephone contact. The results will be analysed statistically. Results: A total of 60 patients has been included in this study (35% males and 65% females). With regards to age at presentation, information for 51 patients was available. The mean presentation age for males was equally distributed into the 5-10 years and 10-15 years age groups and for females, the 11-15 years age group. Analysing the diagnostic category at initial presentation, most males presented with headaches, whereas the majority of females presented with either headaches or functional movement disorders. Of the 12 patients who had multiple symptoms at presentation, 8 were females and 4 were males. 23 patients had progression of their symptoms (16 females, 7 males). Long term outcome results via telephone contact are in progress. Conclusion: There is a higher proportion of Functional Neurological Disorders in females. Detailed results pending.