Objective: To describe belly dancer dyskinesia (BDD) presenting as a manifestation of functional movement disorder associated with abdominal pain, and to emphasize the role of positive clinical signs in establishing the diagnosis

Background: Belly dancer dyskinesia (BDD) is characterized by undulating abdominal wall contractions, traditionally associated with structural, metabolic, or drug-related causes. Similar movements may also occur in functional movement disorders (FMD), where recognition of positive functional signs helps differentiate functional BDD from organic etiologies and prevent unnecessary investigations

Method: We report two young women presenting with involuntary abdominal movements. Clinical evaluation included detailed neurological examination and abdominal imaging. Psychiatric comorbidities, positive functional signs, and treatment responses were documented.

Results: Case 1: A 32-year-old woman with irritable bowel syndrome and severe depression presented with subacute involuntary abdominal movements. Neurological examination, abdominal CT, and cervicothoracic MRI were normal. Movements were intermittent, variable, and inconsistent on repeated examination, with partial distractibility during conversation and voluntary tasks, suggesting a functional component. Movements improved with clobazam, leaving residual abdominal tightness without neurological deficits

Case 2: A 25-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, anemia, and severe depression developed intermittent abdominal movements during hospitalization for severe abdominal pain. Neurological examination was normal, and abdominal CT showed gastrointestinal pathology unrelated to the movements. The movements fluctuated in intensity and decreased with relaxation, consistent with positive signs of functional movement disorder. Movements resolved with clonazepam

Conclusion: Functional belly dancer dyskinesia may represent a manifestation of functional movement disorder associated with abdominal pain. Pain severity appeared to influence dyskinesia expression, with acute severe pain producing more prominent but rapidly resolving movements, and chronic milder discomfort resulting in more gradual, less pronounced movements. Positive functional signs such as variability, distractibility, and inconsistency are key diagnostic clues that support functional BDD and help avoid unnecessary investigations.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/functional-belly-dancer-dyskinesia-associated-with-abdominal-pain-a-case-series/