Am J Psychiatry 1986; 143:648-649
Copyright © 1986 by American Psychiatric Association
Focal neurologic symptoms in panic attacks
PK Coyle and AB Sterman
Among 350 referrals to a neurology service, 19 (5%) had panic attacks
manifesting as focal neurologic symptoms. Diagnostic clues included
multiple symptoms, normal results on neurologic examination, personal
stress, dietary extremes, age 20-50 years, and symptom reproduction by
hyperventilation. Focal neurologic symptoms should not exclude a diagnosis
of panic attack.
