The causes of these disorders vary from person to person. The cause of functional neurological symptoms remains largely unknown. Research is being conducted on this topic. Functional neurological disorders rarely have a single cause. The following factors are thought to trigger or prolong symptoms in some people: 

• Physical injury ∙ 
• An illness that caused a lot of fatigue (tiredness) and bed rest ∙ 
• Past or recent emotional event/trauma/complicated grief ∙ 
• Current stressors ∙ 
• Family history of illness/a neurological condition ∙ 
• Concern about bodily symptoms/attention focused on symptoms ∙ 
• Worry about the cause of symptoms ∙ 
• High levels of anxiety 

For others, circumstances may accumulate over time. Many people are unable to identify the specific cause of these symptoms. Uncertainty about the diagnosis can lead to feelings of confusion, anger, and anxiety.

Different people have FND symptoms in different ways.

Symptoms can include:

• Chronic pain
• Poor concentration and memory
• Fatigue
• Gait and balance problems
• Headaches and migraines
• Involuntary movements (shakes, tremors, jerks)
• Paralysis and weakness
• Non-epileptic seizures
• Sensory changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Speech problems
• Bladder and bowel changes
• Visual impairments
• Difficulties doing daily activities.

These symptoms are real and not imagined. You have no conscious control over them.

It’s common in FND for symptoms to come and go time to time.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis can be made following physical examination and investigations to exclude any possible physical causes. This may be done by a psychiatrist or a neurologist.

Treatment involves psychotherapy, physiotherapy, and antidepressants. The options are variable and depends on the severity and individual circumstances of the patient.

For further support and information please book an appointment with our specialists….

To learn more about FND, please click on https://fndhope.org/fnd-guide/

Dr Ibrahim Yahli MD MRCPsych