Functional movement disorder (FMD) is defined as a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome encompassing weakness and abnormal movements and is an expected cause of potentially disabling neurological symptoms. It is important to acknowledge that FMD is a syndrome with non-motor indications which negatively affect the patient’s quality of life. A diagnostic algorithm, where a history suggestive of FMD is incorporated with the presence of positive signs on examination and appropriate investigations to make the correct diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis.
Positive signs imply internal inconsistency like variability and distractibility. Significantly, clinical assessment acts as the first opportunity for patients to understand FMD as a cause for their symptoms. Precise and early diagnosis of FMD should be done as it is a treatable and potentially reversible cause of disability with a substantial risk of iatrogenic harm associated with misdiagnosis.
