Treatment of Functional Movement Disorders

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Movement Disorders

Background:

• Functional movement disorders (FMD) are prevalent in neurological practice.
• These disorders are a significant cause of patient disability.
• FMD often presents with a combination of movement symptoms and associated psychological distress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the common presentations and associated symptoms of FMD.
• To discuss current treatment strategies for FMD.
• To identify areas for future research in FMD management.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations of FMD.
• Discussion of established and emerging treatment modalities.
• Identification of research gaps, particularly in neuromodulation.

Main Results:

• FMD encompasses diverse symptoms including tremor, weakness, dystonia, and gait abnormalities.
• Associated symptoms frequently include chronic pain, depression, and anxiety.
• Multidisciplinary treatment, including various therapies and psychotherapy, is recommended.

Conclusions:

• Effective FMD management requires a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach.
• Cognitive behavior therapy and other psychotherapeutic interventions show promise.
• Further research is essential to explore the potential of neuromodulation techniques in FMD treatment.