Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) in primary care

Abstract

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are very common in most primary care consultations all over the world with pseudoneurological and bodily aches symptoms commoner in the Western world while subjective abnormal bodily sensations predominate in Nigeria. The illness can be very frustrating for the patient and it can be equally very challenging for the doctor such that doctorpatient conflict can erupt if patience, tact and understanding are not applied by the doctor. It is important that as Primary Care Physicians we are adept at recognising MUS so as to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment.

Keywords: Primary Care, Medically Unexplained Symptoms, Somatization, Somatoform