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Chapter 28 - Hysteria

from Section 3 - Specific Neurological Disorders in Emergency Medicine

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2024

By
Arvind Venkat  and
Jon S. Brillman
Edited by
Thomas P. Campbell  and
Kevin M. Kelly
Thomas P. Campbell
Affiliation:
Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh
Kevin M. Kelly
Affiliation:
Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh
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Summary

One of the most vexing issues in a busy emergency department is patients with neurologic psychogenic conversion disorders, also known as functional neurologic symptoms or hysteria. To understand and treat these patients requires patience, understanding, composure, knowledge of neuroanatomy and physiology, and a comprehension of human nature. Long experience evaluating patients with neurologic disorders may be the most important factor, and younger emergency physicians may not have this ability fully developed.

Keywords

conversion disorderpsychogenicfunctionalpseudoseizureHoover sign
Type
Chapter
Information
Handbook of Emergency Neurology , pp. 395 - 406
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

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