From the Guidelines
FND, or Functional Neurological Disorder, is a genuine medical condition where the brain has trouble sending and receiving signals properly, even though the physical structure of the brain and nervous system appears normal on tests, as supported by the occupational therapy consensus recommendations for FND 1. In simple terms, FND is like a software issue in the brain, where the hardware (the brain's physical structure) is fine, but the signals aren't being processed correctly. This can lead to a range of physical symptoms, including:
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Seizure-like episodes
- Difficulty walking These symptoms are real and can be debilitating, but they aren't caused by traditional neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis or epilepsy. Instead, they often develop after stressful events, physical injuries, or emotional trauma, though sometimes there's no obvious trigger. It's essential to understand that FND is not "all in your head" or something patients are making up—the symptoms are real, and the condition requires a comprehensive treatment approach. According to the study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 1, occupational therapy (OT) is a crucial part of this approach, focusing on retraining normal movement, graded reintroduction to daily activities, anxiety management, and reestablishing structure and routine. The goal of treatment is to help the brain relearn how to send and receive signals properly, and with proper treatment, many people with FND see significant improvement or complete recovery, as reported in the study 1.
From the Research
Description of FND in Layman's Terms
- Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition where a person experiences neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by any other medical condition 2.
- These symptoms can include problems with movement, sensation, or cognition, and can vary in severity 2.
- FND is not a condition where people are deliberately producing their symptoms, but rather it is a complex condition that is not yet fully understood 2.
- The diagnosis of FND is based on a clinical evaluation and the exclusion of other medical or psychiatric conditions 2.
Characteristics of FND
- FND can present with a range of symptoms, including motor, sensory, or cognitive disturbances 2.
- The condition can be chronic and lead to significant disability and unemployment 3.
- Psychosocial factors, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, can play a role in the onset and perpetuation of FND symptoms 3.
Treatment of FND
- Treatment of FND typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical management, psychotherapy, and supportive interventions 2.
- Physical interventions, such as physical therapy, can be an important part of treatment for FND 4.
- Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be effective in treating FND 3.
- The goal of treatment is to address the underlying psychological and neurological factors contributing to the condition, and to help the person manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life 2, 3, 4.