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.