MEDICALLY UNEXPLAINED symptoms are tough on doctors and their patients

It’s never great to feel unwell, have to visit the doctor and then discover your problem. But it can be even worse if your condition baffles not only you but the doctor as well. It seems there really are ‘medically unexplained symptoms’.

MANY PEOPLE HAVE persistent physical complaints, such as dizziness or pain, that don’t appear to be symptoms of a medical condition.

They are sometimes known as ‘medically unexplained symptoms’ when they last for more than a few weeks but doctors can’t find a problem with the body that may be the cause.

This doesn’t mean the symptoms are faked or ‘all in the head’ – they’re real and can affect your ability to function properly.

Not understanding the cause can make them even more distressing and difficult to cope with.

When mystery symptoms seem to be caused by problems in the nervous system but you don’t have a specific neurological condition, doctors may refer to your symptoms as a ‘functional neurological disorder’.

Examples of such symptoms include tingling in the hands or feet, a tremor in one or both arms, headaches or migraines, and changes in eyesight, like blurred vision or seeing flashing lights.

Medically unexplained symptoms are common, accounting for up to 45% of all GP appointments and half of all new visits to hospital clinics in the UK.

Many people with medically unexplained symptoms, such as tiredness, pain, and heart palpitations, also have depression or anxiety.

Treating an associated psychological problem can often relieve physical symptoms.