Functional dystonia: A pitfall for the foot and ankle surgeon

Rehabilitation for Functional Dystonia: Cases and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Functional dystonia (FD) is a common subtype of functional movement disorder. FD can be readily diagnosed based on positive signs and is potentially treatable with rehabilitation. Despite this, clinical outcomes remain variable and a gold standard approach to treatment is lacking.

CASES

Here we present four cases of axial and limb functional dystonia who were treated with integrated rehabilitation and improved. The therapy approach and clinical outcomes are described, including videos.

LITERATURE REVIEW

A literature review evaluated the published treatment strategies for the treatment of functional dystonia. Out of 338 articles, 25 were eligible for review and included mainly case reports and case series. Most patients received more than one treatment modality. Non-invasive therapies, commonly physiotherapy and psychological approaches were mostly associated with positive outcomes. Multiple treatments commonly used in dystonia were used, including botulinum toxin injections, pharmacotherapy and surgery, leading to variable outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Therapy should be personalized to the clinical presentation. In challenging cases, initiation of a multidisciplinary approach may provide benefit regardless of etiology. Pharmacotherapy should be used judiciously, and surgical therapy should be avoided.

Peripherally-induced Movement Disorders: An Update

Background

Peripherally-induced movement disorders (PIMD) should be considered when involuntary or abnormal movements emerge shortly after an injury to a body part. A close topographic and temporal association between peripheral injury and onset of the movement disorders is crucial to diagnosing PIMD. PIMD is under-recognized and often misdiagnosed as functional movement disorder, although both may co-exist. Given the considerable diagnostic, therapeutic, and psychosocial-legal challenges associated with PIMD, it is crucial to update the clinical and scientific information about this important movement disorder.

Methods

A comprehensive PubMed search through a broad range of keywords and combinations was performed in February 2023 to identify relevant articles for this narrative review.

Results

The spectrum of the phenomenology of PIMD is broad and it encompasses both hyperkinetic and hypokinetic movements. Hemifacial spasm is probably the most common PIMD. Others include dystonia, tremor, parkinsonism, myoclonus, painful leg moving toe syndrome, tics, polyminimyoclonus, and amputation stump dyskinesia. We also highlight conditions such as neuropathic tremor, pseudoathetosis, and MYBPC1-associated myogenic tremor as examples of PIMD.

Discussion

There is considerable heterogeneity among PIMD in terms of severity and nature of injury, natural course, association with pain, and response to treatment. As some patients may have co-existing functional movement disorder, neurologists should be able to differentiate the two disorders. While the exact pathophysiology remains elusive, aberrant central sensitization after peripheral stimuli and maladaptive plasticity in the sensorimotor cortex, on a background of genetic (two-hit hypothesis) or other predisposition, seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of PIMD.

Modern Principles of Diagnosis and Treatment in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Background: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a relatively common complication, occurring in 5% of cases after injury or surgery, particularly in the limbs. The incidence of CPRS is around 5-26/100 000. The latest revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11) now categorizes CRPS as a primary pain condition of multifactorial origin, rather than a disease of the skeletal system or the autonomic nervous system.

METHODS

Method: Based on a selective search of the literature, we summarize current principles for the diagnosis and treatment of CRPS.

RESULTS

Results: Regional findings in CRPS are accompanied by systemic symptoms, especially by neurocognitive disorders of body perception and of symptom processing. The therapeutic focus is shifting from predominantly passive peripheral measures to early active treatments acting both centrally and peripherally. The treatment is centered on physiotherapy and occupational therapy to improve sensory perception, strength, (fine) motor skills, and sensorimotor integration/ body perception. This is supported by stepped psychological interventions to reduce anxiety and avoidance behavior, medication to decrease inflammation and pain, passive physical measures for reduction of edema and of pain, and medical aids to improve functioning in daily life. Interventional procedures should be limited to exceptional cases and only be performed in specialized centers. Spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion stimulation, respectively, are the interventions with the best evidence.

CONCLUSION

Conclusion: The modern principles for the diagnosis and treatment of CRPS consider both, physiological and psychological mechanisms, with the primary goal of restoring function and participation. More research is needed to strengthen the evidence base in this field.