Incidence and prevalence of functional neurological disorder: a systematic review.

Background: Robust epidemiological data regarding population incidence and prevalence of functional neurological disorder (FND) would be helpful with regards to resource allocation and planning for this disorder, particularly given high symptom burden and high healthcare utilisation. We therefore aimed to systematically review and synthesise available data on FND incidence and prevalence.

Methods: PubMed was searched to identify original research articles that reported on the incidence or prevalence of FND.

The meaning of loneliness to stroke survivors: A qualitative study in Northeast England.

This study explored stroke survivors' experiences of loneliness. Drawing on interviews with 29 community-dwelling stroke survivors living in the Northeast of England, we found several themes: loneliness as being alone, the season or time, lack of understanding from those without any experience of stroke, reduced autonomy, and deterioration of social relations. It is important that healthcare professionals pay attention to the aspects of life that may increase the chances of a stroke survivor becoming lonely after being discharged from hospital, and to measure loneliness in stroke survivors a more valid scale should include items that touch on the aspects reported here.

A practical review of functional neurological disorder (FND) for the general physician.

We present a practical overview of functional neurological disorder (FND), its epidemiology, assessment and diagnosis, diagnostic pitfalls, treatment, aetiology and mechanism. We present an update on functional limb weakness, tremor, dystonia and other abnormal movements, dissociative seizures, functional cognitive symptoms and urinary retention, and 'scan-negative' cauda equina syndrome. The diagnosis of FND should rest on clear positive evidence, typically from a combination of physical signs on examination or the nature of seizures.

The Developing Bodily Self: How Posture Constrains Body Representation in Childhood.

Adults' body representation is constrained by multisensory information and knowledge of the body such as its possible postures. This study (N = 180) tested for similar constraints in children. Using the rubber hand illusion with adults and 6- to 7-year olds, we measured proprioceptive drift (an index of hand localization) and ratings of felt hand ownership.