Approach to the Critical Patient

Immediate safety and stabilization

Stabilization priorities

Time-critical exclusions

Cannot-miss mimics

Key concepts

Functional neurological symptom disorder

Communication and environment

Therapeutic stance

History

Presentation pattern and context

Symptom narrative

Risk factors and comorbidities

Associated factors

Functional seizure semiology

Episode description

Physical Exam

Neurologic exam and positive functional signs

Exam strategy

Red flags on exam

Findings supporting organic neurologic disease

Differential Diagnosis

Life-threatening and urgent mimics

High-risk neurologic etiologies

Common neurologic and medical mimics

Alternative explanations

Functional and related diagnoses

Functional and behavioral diagnoses

Laboratory Tests

Core tests guided by presentation

Targeted labs

Tests sometimes used for seizure differentiation

Post-event biomarkers

Medical clearance for psychiatric pathway

Testing strategy

Diagnostic Tests

Scoring Systems

Syndrome-specific tools

MRI

MRI indications

CT

CT indications

Ultrasound

Point-of-care ultrasound adjuncts

Disposition

Level of care and consultation

Admission indications

ICU indications

Consultation targets

Discharge criteria and follow-up

Safe discharge features

Driving and safety counseling

Treatment

Diagnosis delivery and engagement

Communication framework

Acute functional seizure episode care

Episode management

Rehabilitation and psychotherapy

Evidence-based pathways

Pharmacotherapy for comorbid conditions

Medication principles

SSRI examples

Sleep and anxiety short-term cautions

If epileptic seizure cannot be excluded

Status epilepticus pathway

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy considerations

Geriatric

Older adult considerations

Pediatrics

Pediatric considerations

Background

Epidemiology

Frequency and settings

Pathophysiology

Mechanistic framework

Therapeutic Considerations

Treatment rationale

Patient Discharge Instructions

Copy discharge instructions

Discharge guidance

References

Guidelines and key evidence

Core sources

Background and reviews

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.