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Sireci F, Ragucci F, Menozzi C, Cabboi MP, Picchetto L, Bassi MC, Ghirotto L, Cavallieri F, Pedroni C, Valzania F. Exploring therapeutic interventions for functional neurological disorders: a comprehensive scoping review. J Neurol 2024; 271:3908-3927. [PMID: 38775932 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12441-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Functional Neurological Disorders (FNDs) are characterized by the symptoms experienced by the individuals but also by how they express personal experiences and concerns related to the clinical condition. Access to care programs for functional neurological symptoms appears challenging and may entail circular, self-perpetuating healthcare pathways. Given the challenging and misleading interpretations around FND, in advocating for care pathways beyond medical therapies, we designed a scoping review to map recently suggested practices and interventions. We identified 31 relevant papers published between January 2018 and December 2022. Most of the literature was gathered from the US and UK healthcare experiences, with documented interventions provided by multi-professional teams or stand-alone psychotherapists. We found different care pathways addressing either motor or non-motor manifestations. Persons with Functional Motor Disorder are more likely to be referred to physical therapy first, while Persons suffering from Non-Epileptic Seizures are to mental health services. A narrow focus was given to minor components of multimodal approaches (e.g. social workers, and occupational therapists). High heterogeneity was found between assessment instruments as well, reflecting different perspectives in selecting treatment outcomes (e.g., reduction of non-epileptic events, psychological functioning, motor symptoms). Among healthcare professionals, neurologists and (neuro)psychiatrists are typically engaged in formulating and delivering diagnoses, while treatment is often administered by physiotherapists and/or psychologists. In the context of FNDs, the complex etiopathological nature of the condition, including comorbidities, suggests the recommendation of multidisciplinary treatments adopting a stepped care model progressing from standard to higher level individualized modules may better suit individual complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sireci
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Federica Ragucci
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Menozzi
- Primary Care Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Cabboi
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Livio Picchetto
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology Unit, S.Agostino Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Bassi
- Medical Library, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Ghirotto
- Qualitative Research Unit, Scientific Directorate, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Umberto I, 50, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Cristina Pedroni
- Direzione Delle Professioni Sanitarie, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Laurea Magistrale in Scienze Infermieristiche e Ostetriche, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Franco Valzania
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Molero-Mateo P, Molina-Rueda F. Physiotherapy for patients with functional movement disorder: a systematic review. Neurologia 2024; 39:505-514. [PMID: 37116691 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Functional movement disorder (FMD), a type of functional neurological disorder, is a common reason for consultation with the neurology department. The efficacy of physiotherapy for motor rehabilitation of these patients has been widely studied. The aim of this review is to analyse the available evidence on the effects of physiotherapy on motor symptoms, activity (gait, mobility, balance), perceived health, quality of life, and the cognitive/emotional state of patients with FMD. METHODS This review follows the PRISMA recommendations. Four electronic databases were searched for relevant articles. Our review included randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of a specialised physiotherapy intervention alone or in combination with other therapies as part of a multidisciplinary approach, with results compared against standard physiotherapy. RESULTS We reviewed 4 studies, including a total of 188 patients. We gathered data on the study population, outcome measures, protocols, and results. According to the Oxford quality scoring system, 3 studies had moderate methodological quality (3-4/5) and the remaining study presented poor methodological quality (< 3). CONCLUSIONS Physiotherapy improves motor symptoms, activity, perceived health, and quality of life in patients with FMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Molero-Mateo
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain; Centro Lescer (rehabilitación neurológica), Madrid, Spain
| | - F Molina-Rueda
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional, Rehabilitación y Medicina Física, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
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McCombs KE, MacLean J, Finkelstein SA, Goedeken S, Perez DL, Ranford J. Sensory Processing Difficulties and Occupational Therapy Outcomes for Functional Neurological Disorder: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Neurol Clin Pract 2024; 14:e200286. [PMID: 38617553 PMCID: PMC11014645 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Occupational therapy (OT) consensus recommendations and articles outlining a sensory-based OT intervention for functional neurological disorder (FND) have been published. However, limited research has been conducted to examine the efficacy of OT interventions for FND. We performed a retrospective cohort study aimed at independently replicating preliminarily characterized sensory processing difficulties in patients with FND and reporting on clinical outcomes of a sensory-based OT treatment in this population. We hypothesized that (1) a history of functional seizures, anxiety, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder would be associated with increased sensory processing difficulties and (2) the number of OT treatment sessions received would positively relate to clinical improvement. Methods Medical records were reviewed for 77 consecutive adults with FND who received outpatient, sensory-based OT care. Data from the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile characterized self-reported sensory processing patterns across 4 quadrants (low registration, sensory sensitivity, sensory seeking, and sensory avoidance) in this population. Following univariate screenings, multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify neuropsychiatric characteristics associated with discrete sensory processing patterns. Clinical improvement was quantified using an estimated, clinician-determined improvement rating ("improved" vs "not improved"), and relationships between clinical participation, baseline neuropsychiatric factors, and outcomes were investigated. Results Patients with FND reported sensory processing patterns with elevated scores in low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoidance compared with normative values; differences in sensory processing scores were not observed across FND subtypes (i.e., motor, seizure, and speech variants). In linear regression analyses, lifetime history of an anxiety disorder, history of migraine headaches, current cognitive complaints, and a comorbid major neurologic condition independently predicted individual differences in sensory processing scores. Following a sensory-based OT intervention, 62% of individuals with FND were clinician determined as "improved." In a multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for baseline characteristics associated with improvement ratings, number of treatment sessions positively correlated with clinical improvement. Discussion These findings support the presence of sensory processing difficulties in patients with FND and provide Class IV evidence for the efficacy of an outpatient, sensory-based OT intervention in this population. Controlled prospective trials are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E McCombs
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit (KEM, SAF, JM, DLP, JR), Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM), Sargent College, Boston University; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM, JM, SG, JR), Massachusetts General Hospital; and Division of Neuropsychiatry (DLP), Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Julie MacLean
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit (KEM, SAF, JM, DLP, JR), Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM), Sargent College, Boston University; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM, JM, SG, JR), Massachusetts General Hospital; and Division of Neuropsychiatry (DLP), Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sara A Finkelstein
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit (KEM, SAF, JM, DLP, JR), Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM), Sargent College, Boston University; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM, JM, SG, JR), Massachusetts General Hospital; and Division of Neuropsychiatry (DLP), Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Susan Goedeken
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit (KEM, SAF, JM, DLP, JR), Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM), Sargent College, Boston University; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM, JM, SG, JR), Massachusetts General Hospital; and Division of Neuropsychiatry (DLP), Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David L Perez
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit (KEM, SAF, JM, DLP, JR), Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM), Sargent College, Boston University; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM, JM, SG, JR), Massachusetts General Hospital; and Division of Neuropsychiatry (DLP), Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jessica Ranford
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit (KEM, SAF, JM, DLP, JR), Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM), Sargent College, Boston University; Department of Occupational Therapy (KEM, JM, SG, JR), Massachusetts General Hospital; and Division of Neuropsychiatry (DLP), Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Ranford J, MacLean J. Outpatient Approach to Occupational Therapy for Paroxysmal Functional Neurologic Symptoms: Sensory Modulation Training as an Emerging Treatment. Neurol Clin 2023; 41:695-709. [PMID: 37775199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Occupational therapy (OT) is an important treatment modality for patients with paroxysmal functional neurologic disorder (FND) symptoms. In our clinical experience, an outpatient, OT-based sensory modulation treatment can address sensory processing difficulties often endorsed by patients with paroxysmal motor FND and functional seizures. This article aims to describe in detail the goals and treatment strategies for occupational therapists to replicate this approach. This article is also an important first step in aiding the development and execution of clinical trials to further evaluate the effectiveness of sensory-based treatment in patients with FND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ranford
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit and Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Wang Ambulatory Care Center 8th Floor, Suite 835, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Wang Ambulatory Care Center 1st Floor, Suite 127, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Julie MacLean
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit and Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Wang Ambulatory Care Center 8th Floor, Suite 835, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Wang Ambulatory Care Center 1st Floor, Suite 127, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Sauerbier A, Gronostay A, Dafsari HS. SOP: acute hyperkinetic movement disorders. Neurol Res Pract 2023; 5:35. [PMID: 37496100 PMCID: PMC10373268 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-023-00260-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Movement disorders emergencies describe acute-onset neurological conditions in which a delay of recognition and treatment may cause severe morbidity and mortality of patients. Hyperkinetic movement disorders include tremor, chorea/ballism, dystonia, myoclonus, and tics. Here we present a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the diagnostic work-up and different treatment options depending on the phenomenology as well as the aetiology of underlying diseases. COMMENTS The recognition of the phenomenology is essential for the symptomatic therapy of the acute movement disorder and forms the basis for the choice of ancillary investigations to confirm the suspected underlying causes. Furthermore, we summarise diagnostic techniques, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests and neuroimaging, which provide rapid results and are useful for the indication of causal treatments of specific acute movement disorders. CONCLUSIONS Despite their acute nature, most of these conditions can result in good clinical outcomes, if recognised early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sauerbier
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gronostay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Haidar S Dafsari
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
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Kelmanson AN, Kalichman L, Treger I. Physical Rehabilitation of Motor Functional Neurological Disorders: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105793. [PMID: 37239521 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Functional Neurological Disorders (FNDs) are one of the most common and disabling neurological disorders, affecting approximately 10-30% of patients in neurology clinics. FNDs manifest as a range of motor, sensory, and cognitive symptoms that are not explained by organic disease. This narrative review aims to assess the current state of knowledge in physical-based rehabilitation for motor/movement FNDs in the adult population, with the goal of improving research and medical care for this patient population. To ensure optimal outcomes for patients, it is critical to consider several domains pertaining to FNDs, including which field of discipline they should belong to, how to investigate and test, methods for rating outcome measures, and optimal courses of treatment. In the past, FNDs were primarily treated with psychiatric and psychological interventions. However, recent literature supports the inclusion of physical rehabilitation in the treatment of FNDs. Specifically, physical-based approaches tailored to FNDs have shown promising results. This review utilized a comprehensive search of multiple databases and inclusion criteria to identify relevant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet N Kelmanson
- Department of Physical Therapy, Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Leonid Kalichman
- Department of Physical Therapy, Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Iuly Treger
- Department of Rehabilitation, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty for Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
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Piliavska K, Dantlgraber M, Dettmers C, Jöbges M, Liepert J, Schmidt R. Functional neurological symptoms are a frequent and relevant comorbidity in patients with multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1077838. [PMID: 37114221 PMCID: PMC10126263 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1077838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Functional neurological symptoms (FNS) in multiple sclerosis (MS) have shown to be underinvestigated even though neurological diseases such as MS represent a risk factor for developing FNS. Comorbidity of FNS and MS can produce high personal and social costs since FNS patients have high healthcare utilization costs and a quality of life at least as impaired as in patients with disorders with underlying structural pathology. This study aims to assess comorbid FNS in patients with MS (pwMS) and investigate whether FNS in pwMS are associated with poorer health-related quality of life and work ability. Methods Newly admitted patients (234) with MS were studied during their stay at Kliniken Schmieder, a neurological rehabilitation clinic in Konstanz, Germany. The degree to which the overall clinical picture was explained by MS pathology was rated by neurologists and allied health practitioners on a five-point Likert scale. Additionally, neurologists rated each symptom reported by the patients. Health-related quality of life was assessed using a self-report questionnaire and work ability was assessed using the mean number of hours worked per day and information regarding disability pension as reported by patients. Results In 55.1% of cases, the clinical picture was completely explained by structural pathology due to MS. 17.1% of pwMS presented an overall clinical picture half or less of which could be explained by underlying structural pathology. PwMS with a higher comorbid FNS burden had a lower health-related quality of life and reported fewer working hours per day than pwMS with symptoms explained by structural pathology. Furthermore, pwMS with a full disability pension had a higher comorbid FNS burden than pwMS with no or partial disability pension. Discussion These results show that FNS should be addressed diagnostically and therapeutically since such symptoms are an important comorbidity in MS that is related to poorer health-related quality of life and lower work ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Piliavska
- Lurija Institute for Rehabilitation Sciences and Health Research, Allensbach, Germany
- *Correspondence: Katya Piliavska,
| | | | - Christian Dettmers
- Lurija Institute for Rehabilitation Sciences and Health Research, Allensbach, Germany
- Kliniken Schmieder Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Michael Jöbges
- Lurija Institute for Rehabilitation Sciences and Health Research, Allensbach, Germany
- Kliniken Schmieder Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Joachim Liepert
- Lurija Institute for Rehabilitation Sciences and Health Research, Allensbach, Germany
- Kliniken Schmieder Allensbach, Allensbach, Germany
| | - Roger Schmidt
- Lurija Institute for Rehabilitation Sciences and Health Research, Allensbach, Germany
- Klinik für Psychosomatik und Konsiliarpsychiatrie, Kantonsspital, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Molero-Mateo P, Molina-Rueda F. Tratamiento fisioterápico del paciente con trastorno del movimiento funcional: una revisión sistemática. Neurologia 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Kola S, LaFaver K. Updates in Functional Movement Disorders: from Pathophysiology to Treatment Advances. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:305-311. [PMID: 35441333 PMCID: PMC9017419 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01192-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This review discusses advances in functional movement disorders (FMD) over the past 3 years, with a focus on risk factors, diagnosis, pathophysiology, neuroimaging studies, and treatment. Recent Findings The past decade has brought a revived interest in functional movement disorders, with a growing number of studies exploring pathophysiological mechanisms. Here, we review recent studies demonstrating changes in attention, emotional and sensorimotor function in FMD. Through international collaborative efforts, progress has been made in defining biomarkers and outcome measures, an important prerequisite towards standardization of diagnosis and reporting of outcomes in clinical trials. Of particular interest are neuroimaging studies demonstrating functional and structural changes in motor and emotional brain circuits, deepening our understanding of FMD as a neurocircuit disorder and potentially paving the way towards new treatments. Currently available treatment modalities have shown successful outcomes via outpatient, inpatient, and virtual delivery. Summary The last 3 years have seen tremendous efforts to better understand, diagnose, and treat FMD. The disease model has been broadened to include a biopsychosocial formulation, and insights on the pathophysiology on FMD are informing treatment efforts. Several international multidisciplinary research collaborations are underway to define biomarkers and best outcome measures, highlighting the path towards improved standardization of future treatment trials. Additionally, the rise of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced geographic barriers and paved the way for virtual therapy sessions and self-guided programs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11910-022-01192-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushma Kola
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathrin LaFaver
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Saratoga Hospital Medical Group - Neurology, 6 Care Ln, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, USA.
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Sensory Processing Difficulties in Patients with Functional Neurological Disorder: Occupational Therapy Management Strategies and Two Cases. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2022; 41:100951. [PMID: 35450672 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2022.100951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a condition at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry, with some patients experiencing sensory hypersensitivities and other sensory processing difficulties. It has been postulated that poor integration and modulation of sensory information with cognitive, affective and behavioral processes may play a role in the pathophysiology of FND. In this article, we first succinctly review the role for occupational therapy (OT) in the multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to managing patients with FND. After highlighting previously published data identifying sensory processing difficulties in patients with FND, we subsequently outline the components of the sensory-based outpatient OT program for FND at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Here, we detail how occupational therapists assess and treat sensory modulation difficulties with the aid of resources like the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and the Sensory-Motor Preference Checklist. We then report on 2 clinical cases representative of the sensory modulation difficulties endorsed by some patients with FND, illustrating how developing an individualized, sensory-based treatment plan can help improve functional neurological symptoms and overall participation in activities of daily living. Prospective, controlled research is needed to further operationalize OT-based sensory modulation interventions, as well as define the tolerability and efficacy of this intervention for pediatric and adult populations with FND.
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Polich G, Zalanowski S, Maney J, Perez DL, Baslet G, Maggio J, O’Neal MA, Dworetzky B, Herman S. Development of an inpatient rehabilitation pathway for motor functional neurological disorders: Initial reflections. NeuroRehabilitation 2022; 50:231-243. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-228006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Emerging research supports a primary role for rehabilitation therapy alongside psychoeducation and psychotherapy in the treatment of functional neurological disorder (FND). OBJECTIVE: While consensus recommendations for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists treating FND have been published, specific recommendations for multidisciplinary FND care delivered on an inpatient rehabilitation unit are yet to be established. METHODS: This report describes one inpatient rehabilitation facility’s efforts to design and implement a clinical pathway for patients with acute-onset motor FND—patients recently hospitalized for work-up of new neurological symptoms subsequently deemed functional. RESULTS: Detailed descriptions on defining admission criteria and delivering consensus- and evidence-based multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation are provided. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of prospective research studies, considerably more work is needed to delineate the optimal duration and intensity of inpatient rehabilitation treatment for the management of patients with motor FND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginger Polich
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Julie Maney
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - David L. Perez
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gaston Baslet
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Maggio
- Department of Physical Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary A. O’Neal
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Barbara Dworetzky
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seth Herman
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, California Rehabilitation Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Polich G, Thompson J, Molton I, Herman S, LaFaver K. Intensive rehabilitation for functional motor disorders (FMD) in the United States: A review. NeuroRehabilitation 2022; 50:245-254. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-228007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Higher levels of care in the form of intensive rehabilitation may be appropriate for select patients with a diagnosis of functional motor disorder (FMD). Intensive rehabilitation, as delivered through an outpatient day program or through admission to an inpatient rehabilitation facility, can offer a greater frequency and variety of integrated clinical services than most lower levels of care. OBJECTIVE: Higher levels of rehabilitation for FMD have not yet been well characterized in the literature. In this article, we will focus on the population of FMD patients who begin receiving care in the outpatient setting. METHOD: In this review, we describe a range of options for higher levels of FMD care, evaluate the supporting literature, and weigh the pros and cons of each approach. Several specific examples of intensive rehabilitation programs in the United States will be described. Finally, we will consider existing health systems barriers to each of these outpatient and inpatient higher levels of care. RESULTS: Within a stepped model of care, intensive outpatient day-programs and inpatient rehabilitation may be considered for individuals who present with complex, refractory motor deficits from FMD. For appropriately selected patients, a growing body of literature suggests that time-limited, goal-oriented intensive rehabilitation may provide an effective treatment avenue. CONCLUSION: It remains to be determined whether treatment in intensive care settings, while more costly in the short term, could lead to greater cost savings in the long term. The prospect of telemedicine rehabilitation for FND in terms of efficacy and cost also remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginger Polich
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Thompson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ivan Molton
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Seth Herman
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, California Rehabilitation Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kathrin LaFaver
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Finkelstein SA, Adams C, Tuttle M, Saxena A, Perez DL. Neuropsychiatric Treatment Approaches for Functional Neurological Disorder: A How to Guide. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:204-224. [PMID: 35189644 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing body of knowledge regarding management of functional neurological disorder (FND). The aim of this article is to guide the clinician through FND clinical management, from delivery of the diagnosis, to creation of a biopsychosocially-informed treatment plan, to troubleshooting common issues that arise throughout longitudinal care. We review the evidence and core principles of both rehabilitative therapies (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy) and psychological therapies for the treatment of FND, and discuss the benefits of engaging a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary team. The optimal timing of specific therapeutic interventions is also discussed, emphasizing a patient-centered perspective. Resources for further reading, for both patients and clinicians, are provided throughout. Additional research is needed to further optimize the therapeutic approach to patients with FND, including the need to develop novel treatments for those that do not positively respond to currently available interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Finkelstein
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Caitlin Adams
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Inpatient Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital, Salem, Massachusetts
| | - Margaret Tuttle
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Primary Care Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aneeta Saxena
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Epilepsy Division, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David L Perez
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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14
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Tinazzi M, Fiorio M, Berardelli A, Bonetti B, Bonifati DM, Burlina A, Cagnin A, Calabria F, Corbetta M, Cortelli P, Giometto B, Guidoni SV, Lopiano L, Mancardi G, Marchioretto F, Pellegrini M, Teatini F, Tedeschi G, Tesolin L, Turinese E, Zappia M, Marotta A. Opinion, knowledge, and clinical experience with functional neurological disorders among Italian neurologists: results from an online survey. J Neurol 2021; 269:2549-2559. [PMID: 34665330 PMCID: PMC9021063 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10840-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional neurological disorders (FND) are disabling medical conditions commonly seen in neurological practice. Neurologists play an essential role in managing FND, from establishing a diagnosis to coordination of multidisciplinary team-based treatment for patients. With this study, we investigated the knowledge and the clinical experience of Italian neurologists in managing patients with FND. METHODS Members of the Italian Society of Neurology were invited via e-mail to participate in this ad hoc online survey; 492 questionnaires were returned completed. RESULTS The term "Functional neurological disorders" in reference to FND was used more frequently than other psychological (e.g., psychogenic or conversion), or descriptive terms (e.g., non-organic or stress-related). When speaking with patients, the respondents stated that they preferred explaining symptoms based on abnormal functioning of the nervous system than discussing mental illness and that they would refer their patient to a psychologist rather than to a psychiatrist. Few considered that physiotherapy and psychiatric interventions are useful approaches to treating FND. Some believed that patients simulate their symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the responses suggest that knowledge about scientific advances in FND is somewhat sparse. A psychiatric-centered view of FND opens the way to an approach in which neurobiological and psychological aspects constitute essential factors of the condition. In this context, professional education could improve understanding of FND and optimize patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Tinazzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mirta Fiorio
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berardelli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCSS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Bruno Bonetti
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Annachiara Cagnin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Calabria
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Corbetta
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, VIMM Fondazione Biomedica Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- IRCCS, Istituto di Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,DIBINEM, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Bruno Giometto
- Department of Neurology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Lopiano
- Department of Neurosciences Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Mancardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS ICS Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabio Marchioretto
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Teatini
- Functional Movement Disorders Outpatient Clinic, Clinical Neurology and Stroke Unit Department, Central Country Hospital, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Tedeschi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Tesolin
- Functional Movement Disorders Outpatient Clinic, Clinical Neurology and Stroke Unit Department, Central Country Hospital, Bolzano, Italy
| | | | - Mario Zappia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Neuroscience Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Marotta
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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15
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Yu XX, Rush TE. The FMD marathon: Instilling hope while maintaining reality. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 82:160-161. [PMID: 33468402 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xin Yu
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, United States.
| | - Taylor E Rush
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, United States
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