Functional Movement Disorder

Functional movement disorder is a condition in which a part of the patient's body shows abnormal movement or stiffness. This condition arises due to nervous system malfunction. It can cause many distressing and debilitating symptoms.

Causes

• Functional movement disorders can have many causes but are most often caused by trauma to the affected area.

Tremor

• Tremors are a leg or arm shaking uncontrollably. Tremors are variable and may even go away when the patient is distracted.

Twitches/Jerks

• Patients with functional movements may experience jerks or twitches in some part of the body. These jerky movements may be triggered by pain, certain lighting, or even loud noises.

Spasm

• Some people with functional movement disorders find that their hands or feet move into abnormal positions that are hard to overcome. These abnormal positions may come in short spasms or be permanent.

Gait

• Functional movement disorders may cause problems walking. These problems could involve dragging one foot or difficulty balancing while walking.