MDS Podcast Special Series: Is propriospinal myoclonus a functional movement disorder?
Jun 2, 2025
Mark Edwards, a Professor of Neurology at King’s College London, specializes in functional movement disorders and dystonia. He discusses the historical evolution of propriospinal myoclonus, shedding light on its non-structural origins. The conversation highlights key assessment strategies for symptoms, with an emphasis on identifying red flags. Additionally, they explore the complex diagnostic process and the variety of treatment options available, underlining the importance of tailoring approaches to each patient's context.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Propriospinal Myoclonus Origins
- Propriospinal myoclonus likely arises from dysfunction in spinal pathways linking multiple segments.
- However, many cases thought to be propriospinal myoclonus fit better as functional movement disorders.
Functional Dominance in Cases Seen
- Most cases Professor Edwards has seen of propriospinal myoclonus are functional.
- True symptomatic cases likely exist but are extremely rare.
Investigate with Distractibility and EMG
- Always try to demonstrate distractibility in clinical exam to diagnose functional movement disorder.
- When distractibility is unclear, use EMG with back averaging to assess electrophysiological patterns.