Weakness and facial droop: Is it a stroke?
Ms. G, age 59, experiences sudden left-sided weakness and facial droop, but a medical workup does not reveal an organic cause. What could be causing her symptoms?
In Ms. G’s case, we provided information about the diagnosis and scheduled visits to continue her outpatient therapy.
Bottom Line
Conversion disorder is difficult to diagnose, and can mimic potentially life- threatening medical conditions. Conduct a thorough medical workup of these patients, even when it is tempting to jump to a diagnosis of conversion disorder. The use of physical exam maneuvers such as Hoover’s sign may help guide the diagnosis when used in conjunction with other testing.
Related Resources
- Conversion disorder. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/ article/000954.htm.
- Couprie W, Wijdicks EF, Rooijmans HG, et al. Outcome in conver- sion disorder: a follow up study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1995;58(6):750-752.
Drug Brand Names
Amitriptyline • Elavil Citalopram • Celexa
Ropinirole • Requip Valproate • Depakote
Disclosure
The authors report no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.
