The outcome of acute functional neurological disorder: a meta-analysis of stroke-mimic presentations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The prognosis of motor functional neurological disorder (FND) is considered poor; however, all data come from chronic cohorts collected by specialists. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcome of acute FND, captured as 'stroke-mimics'. METHODS: A meta-analysis of studies with outcome data on functional stroke mimics. Authors were contacted to provide more information on their FND mimics, including baseline, discharge and follow-up stroke scales. A random effects meta-analysis of proportion of 'good outcome' was the primary measure of interest, with additional descriptive and statistical analysis. 'Good outcome' employed the usual conventions of modified Rankin S..