What is Functional Neurological Disorder?
FND refers to a range of symptoms that are caused by a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body communicate, rather than brain damage or neurological disease. In Australia, it is often diagnosed by a neurologist and has specific clinical tests.
Symptoms and Challenges of FND
People with FND may experience:
- Movement symptoms, such as weakness, tremors, spasms (dystonia) and problems walking (gait disorder)
- Communication and swallowing issues
- Sensory symptoms, like numbness, tingling or pain, vision or hearing problems
- Non-epileptic (dissociative) seizures
- Cognitive symptoms like memory and concentration problems and word finding difficulty
Symptoms may vary from day to day or be present all the time, and people often have multiple symptoms. FND can affect anyone at any age.
What causes FND?
There is no singular cause of FND. It is caused by a complex interaction of Biological, Psychological and Social factors on the brain. Individuals may have different combinations of these factors and this will vary for each person.
This table represents a few examples of different factors that may be present in someone experiencing FND:
| Biological | Psychological | Social | ||
| Predisposing (Risk factors) | Other medical or neurological conditions such as stroke or MS | Other emotional or psychiatric conditions Early trauma/stress Coping style | Hardship in childhood Symptoms or illness in family | |
| Precipitating (Triggers) | Stress on body, such as illness, injury, accident, pain, operation, drug side effect, sleep loss | Experience of stress or trauma | Stressful life event such as grief, relationship problems or job loss | |
| Perpetuating (Maintains or worsens) | Body learns new ‘habits’ and gets used to abnormal movements Muscles lose strength if not used | View symptoms as permanent Not feeling believed Anxiety/depression or other emotional disorder Extreme checking and avoidance of symptoms Adaptation and aids | Big life adjustments to accommodate disability/illness Ongoing medical investigations and uncertainty Stressful life events continue Reduced activity and functioning | |
| Protective (Helps recovery) | Activities that promote normal movement | Agreement with diagnosis Open to try physical and psychological strategies Deal with other emotional difficulties | Family and carers agree with diagnosis and treatment strategies Clear goals to do more for yourself and improve daily functioning |
Historically, FND has been misunderstood with limited treatment options. We now know that symptoms are real, cause genuine distress and disability, and that there are evidence-based treatments that can help.
How we can support people experiencing FND
Support networks play a vital role in helping people to adapt to life post-injury.
We support people with FND by providing an individualised approach to help them meet their goals. This is most effective when all therapists work closely together with the individual in an inter-disciplinary framework.
The focus is to build understanding, self-management strategies, improve daily functioning and independence. We work closely with the individual, who is empowered to take an active role in leading and working side-by-side with their therapy team.
The team may include:
Have any questions?
For more information or to make a referral, please contact us.