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EP164 Challenges of pain management in patients with functional neurological disorders

rapm · 2025-09-10 · canonical JSON source

9 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Background and Aims Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) presents with motor and sensory symptoms incongruent with identifiable neurological pathology. Among its diverse manifestations, chronic pain remains under-recognized despite its high prevalence and substantial impact on quality of life. The aim of this review is to explore the challenges associated with pain management in FND, examine underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and highlight gaps in current clinical practice.Methods A narrative review methodology was adopted. Relevant literature was sourced from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using search terms such as ‘Functional Neurological Disorder,’ ‘chronic pain,’ ‘pain management,’ and ‘multidisciplinary care.’ Inclusion criteria encompassed English-language publications between 2010 and 2024 focusing on adult FND populations. Infographics were developed to visually depict prevalence data, treatment barriers, and underlying neurobiological mechanisms.Results More than 55% of FND patients report chronic pain symptoms, with comorbidities such as fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) commonly observed. The pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving aberrant functional connectivity, heightened stress reactivity, and dysregulated emotion-pain networks. Standard therapies, including physiotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, often fail to adequately address pain. Contributing barriers include diagnostic ambiguity, stigma from healthcare providers, lack of access to multidisciplinary services, and insufficient clinician training. Integrated care models, though promising, remain inconsistently applied in clinical settings.Abstract EP164 Figure 1FNDAbstract EP164 Figure 2PathophysiologyAbstract EP164 Figure 3Review article fullConclusions Pain in FND is prevalent, complex, and inadequately addressed in current treatment paradigms. Effective management necessitates a shift toward a biopsychosocial model of care, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered approaches. Future efforts should aim to incorporate pain into FND diagnostic criteria and promote standardized, evidence-based interventions. Visual educational tools may further enhance provider awareness and facilitate integrated treatment planning.