Post-Traumatic Shoulder Movement Disorders: A Challenging Differential Diagnosis Between Organic and Functional

Sanjay Pandey, Fatta Nahab, Jason Aldred, John Nutt, Mark Hallett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Peripheral trauma may be a trigger for the development of various movement disorders, though the pathophysiology remains controversial and some of these patients have a functional (psychogenic) disorder. We report on 3 cases of shoulder movement disorders subsequent to trauma to the shoulder region. Physiology was done in all the patients to extend the physical examination. Two patients had a history of recurrent shoulder dislocation and were diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. One patient had shoulder injury after repeated falls while performing as a cheerleader. In 2 patients, there were some clinical features suggesting a functional etiology, but physiological studies in all 3 failed to produce objective evidence of a functional nature. Shoulder movement after trauma is uncommon. Diagnosis in such cases is challenging, considering the complex pathophysiology. The movements can be associated with prolonged pain and handicap, and once established, they appear resistant to treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)102-105
Number of pages4
JournalMovement Disorders Clinical Practice
Volume1
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2014

Keywords

  • functional
  • movement
  • physiology
  • psychogenic
  • shoulder
  • tremor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Post-Traumatic Shoulder Movement Disorders: A Challenging Differential Diagnosis Between Organic and Functional'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this