Case series on use of hypnotherapy with imagery in patients presenting with functional stroke 
Background and Aims
5 - 10% of patients presenting with acute stroke are considered to be functional. There are two randomised controlled trial published of use of hypnotherapy in functional neurological disorder, of which one was positive and another negative. This is a case series of patients treated with hypnotherapy for functional stroke symptoms. 
Method
Successive patients with a clinical diagnosis of functional stroke supported by normal MRI imaging were offered hypnotherapy. Each treatment session lasted about 60 minutes and was provided by was provided by a single stroke physician trained in the technique. 

Results
62 patients were included in the case series. The female: male ratio was 48:14 and the mean (range) NIHSS score was 6 (1- 9). The primary presentation in 53 out of 62 was weakness of the limbs. 33 had a right and 20 a left hemiparesis. The primary presentation in others were severe dysarthria, ataxia, sensory impairment, facial weakness and homonymous hemianopia. 1 out of 62 patients could not be hypnotized. 56 out of 61 patients responded with complete resolution of their symptoms (NIHSS 0). 5 out of 61 responded partially. 47 out of 56 patients who responded to hypnotherapy received one session, rest needed two or more sessions (maximum 5 sessions) for resolution of symptoms. All 55 responding patients were contacted by phone up to 6 months, 50 remained well without recurrence. 5 patients developed new symptoms, which responded to a repeat hypnotherapy treatment.

Conclusion
In this case series, hypnotherapy was successful with rapid and sustained recovery of symptoms.

CASE SERIES ON USE OF HYPNOTHERAPY WITH IMAGERY IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH FUNCTIONAL STROKE