Loss and Return of Ticklishness in Functional Neurological Disorder 2024 Coebergh, Edwards et al

Abstract

Background
People with functional neurological disorder (FND) have abnormalities in sensory processing. Loss of ticklishness has been rarely reported.

Objectives
To describe associated clinical features in people with FND and loss of ticklishness and explore correlations with sensory changes.

Methods
Retrospective audit of clinical letters of people diagnosed with FND in a tertiary clinic and further cases identified in a general neurology clinic.

Results
Thirty-eight patients with loss of ticklishness are described, of which most had other functional sensory symptoms and signs. It was more often localized to one limb, rather than generalized, in those with pain or weakness. Dissociation for the affected body part was often described.

Conclusions
Loss of ticklishness in FND is frequently described and offers insights into mechanisms of agency, sensory processing and interoception, which are known to be altered in FND.

Open access, https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mdc3.14122

 

It'd be hilarious if still being ticklish was our get-out for being diagnosed with FND.

 

Truly focused on what's important here.

OK. Sure.

How would it make sense that it's localized? If it's supposed to be a central processing problem? Oh, right, nothing matters.

Still pushing the predictive processing nonsense:

Because... reasons?

They're not even bothering to make sense. There is a conclusion, a problem with perception/processing, and they simply describe steps that could make sense of the model, rather than the data. With some bits about terrified rats not responding to tickles.