This comprehensive overview explains functional movement disorder (FMD), highlighting its types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. FMD causes involuntary movements without neurological damage, often challenging to diagnose. Treatments like physical and psychotherapy often help manage symptoms. Understanding FMD is crucial for patients and healthcare providers to recognize and address this complex condition effectively.

FAQs About Functional Movement Disorder Explained

Functional movement disorder (FMD) is characterized by involuntary movements such as tics, tremors, or jerks that affect various parts of the body. Unlike other neurological conditions caused by brain or nerve damage, FMD originates from problems within the nervous system's functioning. Diagnosing FMD can be complex, as standard tests often show normal results, leading some to mistakenly think symptoms are imagined. Nonetheless, these symptoms are genuine and persistent. Known also as psychogenic or conversion disorder, FMD includes different types, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies discussed below.

Types of FMD

Functional Tremor – Making up nearly half of FMD cases, this involves rhythmic muscle contractions that lead to oscillating movements, occurring at rest or during activity, sometimes spreading to other parts of the body.

Functional Dystonia – Marked by involuntary muscle spasms and twisting movements, often repetitive or tremulous in nature.

Functional Myoclonus – Characterized by sudden, brief episodes of muscle jerking, often triggered by startling or sensory stimuli.

Functional Parkinsonism – Less common, with symptoms like slow movements, tremors, speech disturbances, and gait problems, sometimes co-occurring with Parkinson’s disease but originating differently.

Signs to Recognize

Weakness or paralysis in limbs

Numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, fatigue, or pain in the head or limbs

Sleep issues, difficulty concentrating, slurred speech, vision problems, feelings of unreality (derealization)

Balance difficulties and gait disturbances, increasing fall risk

Seizure-like episodes without epileptic origins

Emotional impacts such as frustration, anxiety, and depression

How FMD Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis requires comprehensive neurological and personal history assessments since symptoms mimic other conditions

Specialized tests like electrodiagnostics or SPECT scans help confirm FMD and exclude organic causes

Understanding neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is essential for accurate diagnosis

Treatment Options

Multidisciplinary care, primarily physical therapy, focuses on improving movement and function

Other therapies include occupational therapy, psychological counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, medications, and innovative techniques like hypnosis or brain stimulation

While prognosis varies, many patients experience symptom relief through these interventions

Disclaimer: This blog provides educational information. Please seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment. It may not include all recent advances or therapies, so consult healthcare professionals for personalized care.