A Case of Hysterical Paralysis/Conversion Disorder with Triplegia After General Anesthesia

Authors : Ayfer Ertekin, Melih Yetemen

Pages : 406-408

Doi:10.35440/hutfd.1604481

View : 17 | Download : 29

Publication Date : 2025-06-27

Article Type : Other Papers

Abstract :Conversion disorder manifests as physical symptoms arising from an underlying psychological condition. Classified as a somatoform disorder, it is relatively rare Common triggers include significant stress, emotional trauma, childhood physical or sexual abuse and neglect, a personal or family history of men-tal health disorders, or a history of neurological disease with similar symptoms. The disorder is diag-nosed when unexplained physical/neurological symptoms -such as paradoxical paralysis, seizures, pain, or sensory deficits involve one or more muscle and sensory systems. These symptoms are interpreted as unconscious adaptations to difficult situations. Various psychological stressors, such as anesthesia and surgery, can cause sudden clinical manifestations of conversion disorder even in patients with no previous psychological diagnoses. In the postoperative period, conversion disorder should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained neuro-logic symptoms while meticulously excluding organic causes. However, the surgery itself and the expe-rience of anesthesia can also be sources of stress and trauma, contributing to the development of postoperative conversion disorder symptoms. When conversion disorder is suspected, psychiatric consultation should be sought, and treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. Early interven-tion and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for achieving a positive outcome in such cases.
Keywords : Conversion Disorder, General Anesthesia, Paralysis

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