Self-Reported Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms in People With Functional Gait Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Functional gait disorder is a common presentation of functional neurological disorder. Altered gait is the defining feature, along with a range of associated motor and nonmotor symptoms. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and impact of these symptoms in people with functional gait disorder.

A total of 156 people with functional gait disorder completed an online survey that included demographic information, self-reported symptoms, and standardized questionnaires.

Weakness (85.9%) and reduced balance (80.1%) were the most prevalent motor symptoms, while fatigue (85.9%), somatosensory (69.9%), and cognitive (69.9%) symptoms were the most prevalent nonmotor symptoms. Logistic regression indicated that dependent ambulation had the greatest association with fear of falling and functional seizures (X² (11, n = 128) = 40.68, p < 0.001). Stepwise regression indicated that functional seizures, muscle rigidity, depression, fear of falling, pain, and speech symptoms were associated with reduced participation in work and social function (adjusted R² = 0.39, F (6, 120) = 14.31, p < 0.001). Stepwise regression revealed that lower physical quality of life was associated with pain, bradykinesia, fatigue, and dystonia (adjusted R² = 0.32, F (4, 122) = 15.92, p < 0.001) while depression, anxiety, and functional seizures were associated with reduced mental quality of life (adjusted R² = 0.46, F (3, 123) = 36.89, p < 0.001).

Motor and nonmotor symptoms are highly prevalent in people with functional gait disorder and are associated with high levels of disability, reduced participation in work and social function, and reduced quality of life.