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Abstract Details

Mass Media and Mass Psychogenic Illness
Movement Disorders
P13 - Poster Session 13 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)
3-012
Present clinical data from a rare case of Mass Psychogenic Illness (MPI) involving movement disorders and explore how symptomatology was exacerbated by media coverage.
NA
A retrospective study evaluated clinical histories, precipitating events, treatment strategies, severity and duration of illness for the patients seen in the clinics of DENT Neurologic Institute. This study also retrospectively collected publications, broadcasts, and other forms of public documentation regarding the affected patient cohort. A timeline of patient’s encounters and media reporting on the case was developed to examine the evolution of the events and factors which may have prolonged symptomatology.
An assembled timeline displayed a relationship between mainstream media and the exacerbation of patient’s symptoms. A noticeable increased frequency in tics, syncopal episodes, and psychogenic seizures coincided with media attention. When public attention on the case ceased, symptoms resolved in sixteen patients and improved in one patient. An episode of media attention was defined as a published newspaper article, appearance on television, and appearances in public, including a town hall event that was held. With 14 documented episodes of media attention, each patient reported anywhere from 1 to 22 exacerbations. A timeline shows worsening of symptoms occurred within 72 hours of a media event. Calculations yielded that there were 0.571 exacerbation events per media coverage instance before 3/7/2012. Incidentally 13 of 16 patients were noted to progress through the same order of symptoms (tics, syncope, psychogenic seizures, then headaches).

There was a direct correlation found between media attention/events and exacerbation of symptoms of MPI in this cohort. MPI symptoms may be affected by media involvement which may negatively affect the patient’s recovery.
Authors/Disclosures
Jennifer W. McVige, MD, FÂ鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ (Dent Neurological Institute)
PRESENTER 		Dr. McVige has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Abbvie. Dr. McVige has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for AbbVie. Dr. McVige has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for UCB. Dr. McVige has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Neurelis. The institution of Dr. McVige has received research support from Amgen. The institution of Dr. McVige has received research support from Eli Lily. The institution of Dr. McVige has received research support from Biohaven/Pfizer. The institution of Dr. McVige has received research support from Lundbeck. The institution of Dr. McVige has received research support from Dent Family Foundation. The institution of Dr. McVige has received research support from Abbvie. The institution of Dr. McVige has received research support from Teva. The institution of Dr. McVige has received research support from Theranica. Dr. McVige has a non-compensated relationship as a Neurology Board with UCNS that is relevant to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ interests or activities. Dr. McVige has a non-compensated relationship as a Board Exam Board Member with ABPN that is relevant to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ interests or activities.