FND AWARENESS Facts

Functional Neurological Disorder Awareness Facts

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a disorder in which the nervous system does not function properly. In FND, messenges don’t send or receive like they should within the nervous system and can become confused. This issue is often described as being like a software problem rather than a hardware problem (where you can see structural change in the brain). This disfunction within the nervous system produces physical symptoms in the body.

There are many symptoms of FND encompassing motor or gait symptoms, sensory symptoms, non epileptic seizures, speech issues and more. These symptoms are disabling and cannot be controlled by the person. The main proven treatment is physiotherapy, which aims to retrain the brain by creating new patterns of movement or action. For those who have non epileptic seizures as symptoms, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is sometimes used to help identify triggers and control seizures. Other treatments include Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and other rehabilitation services.

What do we mean by a functional disorder? This means that the functioning, or the processes do not work as they should. An example would be to consider Migraines or Irritatable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which could be described as functional (where you can describe the processes and specify symptoms but scans will not show you the issue).

Old ideas that FND is purely psychological or “all in the mind” have been put aside as new studies begin to unlock some of the mystery surrounding FND. Modern theories about FND suggest that, just like heart disease, for example, there may be many factors that could lead to an individual developing FND. In some people these factors may include trauma or psychological distress, whereas in others, it may be physical illness or a combination of many small problems within the body.

One analogy is to think of FND like the perfect storm, whereby many possible predisposing factors need to come together in order for that large storm to occur.

FND is becoming a common neurological diagnosis. The symptoms can be similar to those of MS, Parkinsons or epilepsy. It is also common for FND to be a comorbid condition, existing alongside other diseases or disorders. For example, you could have MS and FND or Autoimmune Disease and FND.

If FND is diagnosed and treated quickly, this increases the chance of overcoming or reducing symptoms. On the other hand, if it is not diagnosed or treated quickly, the symptoms may persist long term or even worsen. As with other disorders, it is important that the person with FND understands their diagnosis and the potential they have for symptoms to improve with treatment. Symptoms usually have periods of regression and remission and so it is essential to ensure that you pace yourself to minimise symptoms. The technique of pacing, which can be adapted for all FND symptoms, is commonly used in treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and can be taught by an Occupational Therapist or by reading guidelines on Pacing for Chronic Fatigue and pain.