Long-Term Outcome of Motor Functional Neurological Disorder After Rehabilitation

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is defined as the presence of neurological symptoms that are inconsistent with a neurological disease. We performed a single-center retrospective study aimed at determining the long-term outcome of FND patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation and the predictors of a good outcome.

A multidisciplinary graded exercise program was provided with one or two daily physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions on 5 days each week, as well as weekly psychological support. Outcome was assessed using the motor part of the Functional Independence Measure scale (FIM; maximum score of 91) at admission, discharge, and follow-up, with the last assessment performed by phone interview.

The 30 included patients were aged 43.6±14.7 years (mean±standard deviation), comprised 70% females, and received a mean of 4 weeks of rehabilitation. The admission FIM score (80.2±8.3) was significantly lower than the discharge FIM score (86.9±4.6; p<0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). No notable difference was observed between discharge and follow-up FIM scores (85.5±8.5, p=0.54). The mean follow-up of the 36-month FIM scores at discharge and follow-up was dichotomized as a good outcome in cases where all items were scored ≥6 (functional independence). Binomial logistic regression showed that absence of a comorbid psychiatric disorder (p=0.039, odds ratio=10.7) was a predictive factor for a good outcome at follow-up. Other variables (e.g., sex and age) were not significant predictors of clinical outcome (all p≥0.058).

These results suggest inpatient intensive rehabilitation for motor FND is effective and produces favorable long-term results. Further studies with larger groups are warranted so that the management protocols can be standardized.