Background: The phenotypic diversity of functional movement disorders (FMD) is considered a reflection of its many etiological subtypes. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a joint hypermobility syndrome, also has variable phenotypes, which may include functional symptoms.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of combined diagnoses of FMD and EDS.
Methods: We searched our Electronic Medical Records for patients carrying diagnostic codes for EDS and FMD. Further data extraction was done through chart review.
Results: Of 11,621 patients evaluated from January 1, 2016 to May 1, 2022, 16 carried a diagnosis of EDS, of which 9 (56.3%) were also diagnosed with FMD. Conversely, a diagnosis of FMD was documented in 190 (1.6%), of whom 16 (8.4%) were diagnosed with EDS. In all EDS-FMD cases, the diagnosis of EDS preceded the onset and diagnosis of FMD.
Conclusions: The co-occurrence of FMD and EDS is beyond chance, suggesting association. EDS may represent a prodromal subtype of, and share common pathophysiologic features with, FMD.
Keywords: Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome; functional movement disorder.
© 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.