Abstract

Following attendance at the Unexplained Neurological Symptoms course at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Feb 2009, we have successfully developed a neurological physiotherapy service for functional neurological disorders at our local NHS Trust Hospital, serving both in–patients and out–patients. The development of this service was driven by a feeling within our neurological physiotherapy team that these often complex and challenging patients could be managed more effectively and efficiently on a seperate pathway to patients with chronic organic neurological disease. We were supported at all stages by consultant neurologists at our Trust. A protocol was written outlining the pathway of management for these patients including referral criteria. A patient information leaflet was produced and key points for management and treatment were drawn up. Education of all multidisciplinary team members was undertaken. The service was audited after one year. The most significant success of the service has been a 90% closure rate for episodes of neurological physiotherapy care.

A patient information leaflet was produced and key points for management and treatment were drawn up. Education of all multidisciplinary team members was undertaken. The service was audited after one year. The most significant success of the service has been a 90% closure rate for episodes of neurological physiotherapy care.