Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

1) What it is

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition where there’s a problem with how the brain sends and receives signals to the body.

It’s often described like a computer with working hardware (brain and nerves) but disrupted software (signal processing and control).

Symptoms are real, involuntary, and potentially reversible with the right support.

2) What it feels like (real-life examples)

People may say:

• “My legs go weak or stop working.”
• “I can’t speak properly sometimes.”
• “My body does things I can’t control.”
• “Tests look normal but the symptoms are real.”

3) Common signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary and may include:

• weakness or paralysis, walking problems
• tremor, spasms, abnormal movements
• sensory symptoms (numbness, tingling)
• speech or vision symptoms
• cognitive fatigue or brain fog
• functional seizures (sometimes called non-epileptic seizures)

4) What causes it / risk factors

FND is often multifactorial and can involve:

• nervous system sensitisation
• stress or trauma (not always present)
• pain, fatigue, or sleep disruption
• anxiety or depression as contributors (not “the cause”)

The condition is neurological, not imagined or deliberate.

5) Triggers (what can make it worse)

• stress or overload
• sleep deprivation
• pain flares
• overstimulation
• illness or infection in some people
• fear of symptoms (symptom–anxiety loop)

6) What helps right now (fast relief tools)

• reduce stimulation and move to a calm environment
• paced breathing and grounding
• short rest breaks before a crash
• reassurance: symptoms are real and treatable
• avoid “all-or-nothing” activity swings

7) Longer-term strategies

• pacing (consistent activity, avoid boom–bust cycles)
• physiotherapy approaches tailored specifically to FND
• psychological support for symptom management (when helpful)
• sleep stabilisation
• relapse plan for early warning signs

8) Treatment options (what usually helps)

Treatment often uses a combined approach, including:

• clear diagnosis and explanation
• specialist neurological or physiotherapy rehabilitation
• therapy for coping skills and nervous system regulation

NHS Inform provides clear overviews and symptom explanations for FND.

9) Medication overview (plain-English)

There is no single medication that treats FND itself.

Medication may help associated symptoms such as:

• pain
• sleep problems
• anxiety or depression

This should be clinician-guided.

10) Work, relationships & daily life tips

• explain simply: “a brain–body communication problem”
• plan reasonable adjustments (flexible hours, rest breaks)
• focus on function goals (walking, stamina, speech) rather than constant symptom monitoring

11) When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if:

• new stroke-like symptoms need ruling out
• severe functional seizures create injury risk
• there is a suicidal crisis

12) Trusted help & resources

Get help (National support)

• NHS Inform: Functional Neurological Disorder overview
• NHS Trust patient information services (local FND clinics)
• FND Action (UK charity and peer support)
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
• Shout: text SHOUT to 85258

‍