Functional (Psychogenic) Movement Disorder

I personally believe that this diagnosis is used too often by neurologists. I think it is used especially when the doctor can’t really figure out what the symptoms are displaying but they need to put a label on it.

Do you have any experience with Functional (Psychogenic) Movement Disorder?

Bottom line to my comment is when neurologist can’t figure something out they go to functional movement disorder as a diagnosis. My weakness and pain was actually later diagnosed by a sports med doctor as a sacral torsion. Once fixed I was walking without pain and making muscle!

I'm glad that you managed to get a correct diagnosis. I think the diagnosis I received is probably correct as three neurologists were of the same opinion. My problem is that neither of the three offered any advice respecting treatment. Most of the programs I have looked at tend to concentrate on Parkinsons or Tardive Dyskinesia.

I was diagnosed at the Cleveland clinic. They have rehabilitation programs that include PT and OT. I haven’t been able to go since it is a week long and I live out of state. I do go to PT and OR in my state and it has helped. I also take Gabapentin for the pain.

My problem is when I get stressed or anxious I have uncontrolled leg arm and body movements, I stutter and have an extreme startle response. I don't have any pain, but I do take 300 mg gabapentin three times a day which does usually help control the leg arm and body movements. You mention PT, OT and OR. I know what PT and OT are, but what is OR?

My Daughter is dx’d w FND/Functional Movement Disorder. The symptoms come and go and change often—it is a very difficult, debilitating disorder. She is 29 and a fulltime Graduate student…and is in a wheelchair at this time. She had this relapse in Dec. Her symptoms improve as she works really hard to recover—some good websites are Neurosymptoms.org and FNDHope.com. I am sorry you are suffering with this.

Thank you for your kind thoughts. I'm really sorry to hear about your daughter, who by the way too young to have to deal with this problem. For me the most frustrating thing (apart from the symptoms) is that there are so few resources available unless you happen to live close to a major research facility, such as the Mayo Clinic, which I do not. It would appear that there are lots of neurologists available to diagnose FND/FMD, but very few who are willing to treat it, or are able to tell you what that treatment might look like. One thing I did learn from a previous post, is that the Mayo Clinic approves various hospitals throughout the US as part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Perhaps that's something you could look into for your daughter.

@wilmslow I have tremors along with the FND.

I was taught to distract my brain when that happens. It’s very easy. When the tremors start, tap your thumb and index finger together on one hand. That’s it…

There is hope for those of us with FND/FMD.
I have been receiving both physical, and mental therapy. They go hand in hand for this disorder.