Understanding Functional Movement Disorder: FAQs and Insights
This article provides an in-depth overview of functional movement disorder, explaining its types, symptoms, diagnosis challenges, and treatment strategies. Understanding these aspects helps in better management and supports affected individuals in improving their quality of life.
Key questions about functional movement disorder (FMD)
FMD is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary movements such as jerks, tics, or tremors affecting the limbs or head. Unlike other movement disorders caused by brain damage, FMD stems from dysfunction in nervous system signaling. Diagnosing FMD is challenging because brain scans often appear normal, leading some to believe symptoms are imaginary. Nonetheless, FMD symptoms are real. Sometimes called psychogenic movement disorder, FMD encompasses various types, symptoms, and treatment options that healthcare providers should understand for proper management.
FMD's diagnosis relies on detailed neurological and personal assessments, with no definitive test. Symptoms include tremors, muscle spasms, weakness, numbness, fatigue, speech issues, vision disturbances, gait problems, and episodes resembling seizures. Patients often experience emotional distress such as frustration or depression. Different types of FMD include functional tremor, dystonia, myoclonus, and parkinsonism, each with distinct features and challenges. Treatment involves physical and psychological therapies to improve function and quality of life, although prognosis varies.
