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Functional Movement Disorders
Author(s): Meghan Moore Burk, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Amrendra Kumar, MSOT, OTR/L , Carey Dahlquist Donlan, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Kevin Renz Ambrocio, MS, Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Ryan L Holmes, MA, Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Raegan Furman, MSOT, OTR/L, Corresponding Author: Kristen M. Johnson, PT, MSPT, EdD, Board-Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Functional movement disorders (FMD) are characterized by a sudden onset of neurological symptoms resulting in abnormal involuntary movements with symptom variability that cannot be explained by a conventional neurological or medical disorder.1-7 Symptoms often consist of complex and bizarre movements that involve different body regions that can present as any hypokinetic or hyperkinetic disorder, impacting movement, balance, and coordination.8 Symptom onset is abrupt and progresses quickly, often increasing with attention or fatigue, and can be altered by distraction or nonphysiological maneuvers.9-15 Functional movement disorders are associated with poor prognosis and significant disability and can persist for decades.2,16
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Date: January 13, 2022
Contact: practice@apta.org
Content Type: Clinical Summary
Balance and Falls , Neurological Conditions
80 and over (80+), Adolescent (13-18), Adult (25-44), Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64)
Meghan Moore Burk, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Amrendra Kumar, MSOT, OTR/L , Carey Dahlquist Donlan, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Kevin Renz Ambrocio, MS, Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Ryan L Holmes, MA, Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Raegan Furman, MSOT, OTR/L, Corresponding Author: Kristen M. Johnson, PT, MSPT, EdD, Board-Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy