Conversion reaction presenting as acute spinal cord injury.

A conversion reaction, presenting as an acute spinal-cord injury, was diagnosed in 9.8% of new patients admitted to a spinal injury unit during the period from November 1982 to November 1983. There were eight men and one woman (mean age, 23 +/- 8 years). A history of previous episodes of conversion reaction was common in this group. Some patients had evidence of previous vertebral damage. Diagnosis of this condition is difficult, even for those who are familiar with patterns of spinal-cord injuries. All patients were walking independently and had no sensory deficits at the time of discharge from hospital.