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Case Reports
. 2025 Jan 28;17(1):e78146.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.78146. eCollection 2025 Jan.

Functional Neurological Disorder: A Case of Psychosomatic Paralysis Following Bereavement

Joseph T Luba  1 , Benjamin Kp Woo  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Functional Neurological Disorder: A Case of Psychosomatic Paralysis Following Bereavement

Joseph T Luba et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Functional neurologic disorder (FND), alternatively known as conversion disorder, presents a unique diagnostic challenge due to its complex interplay of psychological, neurobiological, and social factors. This complexity is particularly evident in patients who experience significant psychological stressors, which may trigger or exacerbate symptoms. The following case report describes a 36-year-old woman who developed FND following the death of her father. This case highlights the diagnostic complexities of FND, particularly in patients with a prior psychiatric diagnosis. It underscores the importance of addressing the psychological factors underlying physical symptoms in such presentations.

Keywords: conversion disorder; functional neurological disorder; grief and neurological symptoms; la belle indifference; psychosomatic symptoms.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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