Biomarkers in functional movement disorders: a systematic review, 2020, Edwards et al

[Andy]

Functional movement disorders (FMD) are proposed to reflect a specific problem with voluntary control of movement, despite normal intent to move and an intact neural capacity for movement. In many cases, a positive diagnosis of FMD can be established on clinical grounds. However, the diagnosis remains challenging in certain scenarios, and there is a need for predictors of treatment response and long-term prognosis.

In this context, we performed a systematic review of biomarkers in FMD. Eighty-six studies met our predefined criteria and were included.

We found fairly reliable electroencephalography and electromyography-based diagnostic biomarkers for functional myoclonus and tremor. Promising biomarkers have also been described for functional paresis, gait and balance disorders. In contrast, there is still a lack of diagnostic biomarkers of functional dystonia and tics, where clinical diagnosis is often also more challenging. Importantly, many promising findings focus on pathophysiology and reflect group-level comparisons, but cannot differentiate on an individual basis. Some biomarkers also require access to time-consuming and resource-consuming techniques such as functional MRI.

In conclusion, there are important gaps in diagnostic biomarkers in FMD in the areas of most clinical uncertainty. There is also is a lack of treatment response and prognostic biomarkers to aid in the selection of patients who would benefit from rehabilitation and other forms of treatment.

Paywall, https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2020/10/21/jnnp-2020-323141
Sci hub, https://sci-hub.se/10.1136/jnnp-2020-323141

 

[Mithriel]

They find consistent biomarkers, that is physical things that are different from the biology of healthy individuals. Then they use this, and demand more research into them, to bolster their theory that the problems are caused by wrong thoughts!

So if you believe epilepsy is caused by demon possession then the abnormal eeg would be used as proof of demon possession.

It would not matter so much if these clowns did not have domination of the care and welfare of sick people. It just makes it worse to know that MS got out before the takeover and now has a variety of treatments and a much easier route to benefits than those poor souls doomed to FND nowadays. It is like one of those films that show two timelines!