Therapeutic Options for Patients with Functional Movement Disorders

A Functional Movement Disorder (FMD) is defined by abnormal involuntary movements or body positions that are not caused by organic disease. The Northwestern Medicine Functional Movement Disorders Clinic addresses disabling functional movement disorders by using motor reprogramming strategies and pairing rehabilitation with cognitive behavioral techniques to improve symptoms for patients with FMD.

Kathrin LaFaver MD discusses what makes this program unique and that it is that it is one of the few programs in the country that has an active collaboration between many interdisciplinary specialists, including neurology, psychology, behavioral medicine and physical therapy. The Northwestern Medicine Functional Movement Disorders Clinic is committed to conducting intensive research to increase our knowledge and understanding of the condition, allowing us to provide advanced, individualized treatment to every patient.