Functional Movement Disorder Caused by Stress?

My dad has Conversion Disorder, which sounds similar. Medication helped him. He went to a couple of therapy sessions, but resisted therapy. It would likely have helped him, but my dad wasn’t interested.

@SusanEllen66
What I have read about FMD indicates that stress can make symptoms worse. Getting psychological support can help you manage symptoms and triggers better.

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/functional-movement-disorder
2. https://practicalneurology.com/diseases-diagnoses/movement-disorders/the-diagnosis-of-functional-movement-disorder/31884/
3. https://www.movementdisorders.org/MDS/Resources/Patient-Education/Functional-Movement-Disorders.htm
4. https://www.bcm.edu/healthcare/specialties/neurology/parkinsons-disease-and-movement-disorders/functional-movement-disorders
5. https://neurolaunch.com/functional-tremor/
6. https://practicalneurology.com/diseases-diagnoses/movement-disorders/treatment-of-functional-movement-disorder/31885/

WOW! Thank you, each of you, for sharing. I will be 75 in a few weeks, and have physically declined dramatically since November 2024. And, for the love of me, I cannot figure out why. Doctors, keep telling me basically it is "aging...suck it up lady"; but it seems to have happened so quickly, I just plum don't accept that. I was hit with several strokes at 55 while working, only to discover I have the Leiden Factor V gene. Was put on "warfarin" and several other meds, including Paxil and Clonazepam, for the past 20 yrs. I have dropped the Paxil and am now on .05mg of Clonazepam, two cholesterol meds and Florzemide daily. Over the past 4-5 months, I have experienced several TIA's, lost balance, my artificial hips are losing their power, I am having difficulty functioning alone, but am single, a middle class, woman determined to do it on my own. Staying out of "stress" is difficult, and I more comfortable living alone with my cat easier day by day. This is NOT who I was. All of that being said, I thank you and will look into this disorder, because, something is going on, and I am totally tired of being poked at by the medical profession. Thank you again, "Hurting in New Jersey"

@celia16 what is Conversion Disorder?

@SusanEllen66 my nephew (in his mid forties) had the exact symptoms you describe, was in and out of Emergency and kept being told the same thing as you have been told. Finally, a neurologist diagnosed him with MS. I am no doctor so really can’t advise you on anything, but reading your post, my nephew kept coming to mind and I can’t help feeling that you may have MS too.

It comes under neurological/ psychological category. It’s unknown what really causes it. It can manifest itself with neurological symptoms. My dad lost vision temporarily, could not walk, had tremors like a seizure and thought he was dying. The episodes aren’t as severe as they used to be. Here’s a link about it, if want to explore it. It contains an excellent explanation with example.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g2RsGM_F9K4
(If this link is not allowed, I hope a mod will kindly remove it.)

I hope you are able to find answers about your condition.

@rashida hi, I’ve had brain scans. They did not show MS.
Thanks

For me it was seizures. Terrible seizures that looked real and it took a lot of testing to find out they weren't. No one was more surprised (and embarrassed!) than me. It was explained to me that when we don't handle our stress, our brain and body does. So, I did my therapy more humbled and got a lot out of it. Within 2 years I divorced my husband. (I was lonely in the same room as him!) I was trying to deny how much that relationship stressed me. Talk and marital therapy didn't work, and I tried. He didn't.

Since then I have realized that I have PTSD and have had it since I was 8 when I was with my mother in a car accident. She died, and I saw it. In my late 20s the repressed memory came back to me. So, PTSD changed my brain and behavior and it was a factor in my conversion disorder. I was diagnosed in my 30s with conversion disorder, after the repressed memory came back.
I am still in therapy, but I don't care how long it takes. I didn't get messed up easily so it makes sense it will take time. I am just grateful for therapy! Without it I would be in a far worse place! Now I am capable of being more honest with myself and responsible for myself.
Oh, and I quit having the seizures within 4 years. The divorce did a dramatic decrease in how many I had. It's been hard but I have never regretted the divorce.

Thank you all so much for all your hugs and caring. YOU made me feel loved. I do apologize, I normally do not reach out for help, shame on me...I am learning. I usually only reply to those who need my positive help and support. This was a new experience for me and will be treasured. Lessons learned: STOP being so independent in your aging process, EASE UP on your construction jobs in your home, as they are only making your physical pain worse, and ALLOW others to care for me when needed most.
Sincerely, Thank you, All of You.
Slowing Down in New Jersey

@catluvver Thank you for sharing.
We have every right to feel our feelings.
My life has been full of stressful situations.
Three husbands, 2 drug addicted children one of whom overdosed died at 45, and emotionally abused by my mother.
I could go on but you get the idea.

The FND started only 2 years ago. I’ve never had a seizure . I’m 75 and have Mild Cognitive Impairment heading to dementia. I think the dementia diagnosis is what pushed my stress up and over the top.