Objective:

To assess the immediate impact of RNS therapy on motor symptoms, evaluate sustained benefits, and explore psychological effects using S-FMDRS.

Background:

Functional-Movement-Disorders (FMD) pose significant diagnostic challenges due to their resemblance to organic neurological conditions. Repetitive-Nerve-Stimulation (RNS) tests, traditionally used in neuromuscular-disorders, offer a promising therapeutics for FMD. This study delves into the nuanced impact of RNS-therapy on FMD patients, examining both immediate and sustained benefits. By employing the Simplified-Functional-Movement-Disorder-Rating-Scale (S-FMDRS), which assesses various motor domains and speech, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic potential of RNS in FMD.

Design/Methods:

Seventeen FMD patients underwent RNS-therapy sessions at 15 Hz for 10 minutes thrice a week over a month. At each visit, S-FMDRS was administered, assessing specific motor domains and speech across severity and duration categories (0-none, 1-mild, 2-moderate, 3-severe). Qualitative data were gathered through patient narratives, highlighting the qualitative aspects of symptom relief and psychological well-being.Repeated-measure-ANOVA was used to check for statistical significance of the data.

Results:

RNS-therapy resulted in a rapid and significant reduction in motor symptoms within two weeks. Initial mean S-FMDRS score, indicating severe impairment of 16.41±4.97, substantially decreased by 10.294±2.51 for week-1, 6.92±2.17 for week-2,  3.33±1.154 for week-3 and by 4 units in week 4, signifying remarkable improvement. Qualitative analysis using QOlQ questionnaire revealed enhanced overall well-being, with symptom-free-intervals lasting an average of 2±0.94 weeks. Statistical analysis utilising repeated-measures-ANOVA demonstrated a significant reduction in S-FMDRS scores across all domains(p<0.05) with severity and duration showing constant improvement.

Conclusions:

Repetitive-Nerve-Stimulation-therapy, as measured by the S-FMDRS, offers substantial and rapid relief for Functional-Movement-Disorders. The study's quantitative and qualitative data underscore the efficacy of RNS therapy, not only in immediate symptom alleviation but also in sustaining these benefits over time. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the potential of RNS-therapy, paving the way for enhanced FMD management strategies.