Hypnosis in the treatment of pediatric functional neurological disorder: the magic glove technique, 2021, Coogle et al

[Andy]

Abstract

The treatment of functional neurological disorder (FND), previously referred to as conversion disorder, can be challenging. Despite these challenges and with increased understanding of this condition, new treatment options are emerging. One such treatment is hypnosis, which has a long history of use in the treatment of functional neurological disorder. Jean-Martin Charcot, considered by many to be the father of modern neurology, employed therapeutic hypnosis as early as the 19th century. In this report, we discuss the novel use of a hypno-anesthetic technique (the magic glove) for treatment of functional neurological disorder presenting as diplegia. We illustrate the use of the technique with the case of a 9-year-old girl who suffered from chronic pain and lower extremity weakness secondary to functional neurological disorder. With the magic glove technique she improved rapidly and by her sixth month follow-up visit was free of symptoms. We review the current literature on functional neurological disorder interventions and emphasize the need for continued research in this field.

Paywall, https://www.pedneur.com/article/S0887-8994(21)00186-7/fulltext

 

[rvallee]

Despite these challenges and with increased understanding of this condition, new treatment options are emerging

Technically this is true since all they do in this field is develop new "treatments". Always derived from existing ones but still. At issue is that "emerging" and "correct" and "effective" are vastly different concepts. Phrenology was emerging once, so was the absurd idea that mood massively influence cancer outcomes.

Says a lot, though, that a "magic glove" would "work", about everything else that "works". It mostly says that about the word "works". And "magic glove" is really just the tiniest hop onto "healing hands" territory.

 

[Hutan]

Jean-Martin Charcot, considered by many to be the father of modern neurology, employed therapeutic hypnosis as early as the 19th century.

Is this meant to convince us that hypnosis is a credible treatment? I mean Hippocrates, considered by many to be the father of modern medicine, had some theories that seem a little, well, wrong, now. Well, to most of us, anyway.

Recognized as the father of Western medicine, Hippocrates had a number of incorrect theories, most notably his theory of humorism, which stated that the human body was made up of four elements that caused illnesses when out of balance. However, his craziest theory was the idea of a “wandering womb.” Hippocrates believed that a woman’s body craved warmth and moisture, so they needed to get laid often. If not, their womb would get bored and start to migrate around their body. In addition, an excess of “male activities,” could also cause the womb to wander. Depending on where it finally attached itself, various disorders could result, including hysteria.

 

[Trish]

Back to bloodletting and phrenology too, perhaps?

 

[Hutan]

I can't access the paper, but this type of case report concerns me a lot. In the abstract, there is no consideration of the possibility that the girl had some physical cause of her lower limb weakness and just recovered naturally over time. And so, with the certain view that she just needs to think differently, it's totally fine to lie to her about a 'magic glove'.

This kind of thinking breeds a society that believes all sorts of nonsense and rejects careful science - and that's dangerous, as is so sadly illustrated in this pandemic. It's also going to leave this girl convinced that she can't trust her feelings and symptoms. It's not harmless.

 

[Forbin]

Video about the "Magic Glove," a "hypno-anesthetic technique."




Oddly enough, using a "hypnotic technique" to distract from the anxiety of injection was presented 50 years ago in the film "The Andromeda Strain."

 

[5vforest]

All I see is a child being coerced into giving an answer that will please the adult who is applying the “treatment”. What am I missing?

 

[sea]

All I see is a child being coerced into giving an answer that will please the adult who is applying the “treatment”. What am I missing?

What I see is an adult tricking a child by applying less pressure on the “magic glove” and thus gaining their trust in the process.

 

[Hutan]

I've sometimes wondered if there is anything to hypnosis other than suggestion on steroids. The evidence I've seen does not look very compelling in terms of supporting the idea that it is any more than that. And that video isn't at all convincing.

Does anyone have any insights?