8 tests rolled into a mnemonic to detect weakness in suspected conversion disorder

DSM-5 criteria for conversion dis­order (or functional neurological symptom disorder) requires find­ings that are incompatible with recog­nized neurologic or medical conditions.¹ Knowledge of signs specific to conversion disorder may help you diagnose the illness with confidence.

We review signs suggestive of conver­sion disorder. These can be remembered using the mnemonic How About Finding Some Conversion Weakness [in an other­wise] Strong Guy/Gal? (Table²).

Inconsistencies in motor function can be observed on examination. Signs may be consciously or unconsciously produced. Although most of the tests mentioned have high positive and negative predictive values (noted in the Table²) they have limited sensitivity and specificity,³ and the presence of a positive sign does not exclude the possibility of comorbid disease.

Disclosures
The authors report no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.