All articles tagged with #functional neurological disorder
Functional neurological disorder (FND) causes real, disabling symptoms like weakness or seizures even when brain tests are normal. Brain networks and predictive processing may misread signals, leading the brain to rely on prior expectations and produce symptoms; stigma and misdiagnosis persist, but multidisciplinary care can retrain brain networks and help recovery when patients are believed.
Functional neurological disorder (formerly hysteria/conversion disorder) causes real, disabling symptoms despite normal brain tests. Neuroscience links symptoms to brain networks that predict movement and sensation, with mismatches driving the disturbance. Though common—millions affected in the US—care access is limited and stigma persists, but multidisciplinary treatments and clinician belief can improve outcomes.
A Dorset mother, initially told she had the flu, was hospitalized in 2024 after being diagnosed with viral meningitis. The infection triggered a functional neurological disorder, robbing her of mobility from the waist down and leaving her in a wheelchair for two years, with brain fog and eye spasms. She continues intensive physiotherapy, hopes to reclaim some movement, and advocates for greater awareness and resources for FND, acknowledging the long road ahead but emphasizing the importance of support for affected families.
A Dorset mother’s flu-like illness turned out to be viral meningitis, which triggered a functional neurological disorder that left her unable to walk for two years and dependent on a wheelchair, with ongoing rehabilitation and a push for greater awareness and resources for FND.
The article argues against diagnosing long Covid patients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), stating that FND is based on speculative and unproven assumptions. It emphasizes that long Covid's complex symptoms are more likely linked to immunological, neurological, hormonal, and vascular differences, and that misdiagnosing it as FND could hinder proper treatment and understanding of the condition.
A woman who initially thought she had pinkeye was actually experiencing a "functional" stroke, a type of stroke caused by abnormal nervous system functioning rather than brain damage. This condition, known as functional neurological disorder (FND), can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms and is often overlooked by medical professionals. The exact cause of FND is unknown, but it can be triggered by stress and trauma. Treatment for FND includes physical and speech therapy to improve symptoms, and it's important for individuals to seek medical attention for unexplained symptoms and prioritize self-care.
Functional movement/conversion disorder (FMD) is a neuropsychiatric condition marked by a range of neurological symptoms, including tremors, muscular spasms, and cognitive difficulties. A new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital demonstrated that FMD is characterized by epigenetic changes, and that women and childhood abuse survivors with FMD have different epigenetic profiles linked to this condition. The study is the first to demonstrate the occurrence of epigenetic changes in FMD. The group hopes that other researchers can use their findings to further understand the role of genetic and environmental interactions in FMD and other poorly understood functional disorders.
Patients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) struggle with a range of symptoms, including paralysis, difficulty walking, seizures, speech problems, and memory issues. While doctors don't know what causes FND, they say another neurological disorder or a reaction to stress or trauma can trigger it. Treatment for FND involves psychology, physical, occupational, speech, and memory therapy. Patients and their families have found self-motivation to be some of the best therapy. International FND Day is recognized every April 13 to bring awareness to the disorder.
Patients with functional neurological disorder (FND) after COVID-19 infection had different symptoms than people with FND after COVID-19 vaccines, according to a retrospective study. Those with FND after COVID-19 vaccination more closely resembled classic FND, while those with post-COVID FND tended to be older, had more insidious onset, and had higher disability. The findings point to a need to consider FND when diagnosing patients with post-COVID neurologic symptoms.