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Ability to function -

Functional neurologic disorder impairs a person's ability to live a normal life. Confusingly, there isn't a physical explanation for the symptoms the sufferer experiences.

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No explanation -

The absence of an explanation for the symptoms experienced with FND makes it difficult for someone suffering to recognize their challenges.

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The nervous system -

With FND, physical and psychological stressors create symptoms in the nervous system. They occur despite the nervous system itself not having anything mechanically wrong with it.

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Triggers -

Previous physical or mental trauma are the main triggers of FND. It seems to be a kind of protective mechanism, of the body and mind.

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Conversion disorder -

FND is the same thing as conversion disorder, the previous name for it. Conversion disorder was described as a type of hysteria by Freud in 1900.

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Conversion disorder -

To Freud, conversion disorder represented the physical manifestation of something unconscious and meaningful; a somatic form of language to be interpreted.

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Brain imaging -

In the present day, functional brain imaging scans have helped medical professionals to understand it better. The name was changed to FND in recognition of the clinical description and acceptance of what was called conversion disorder.

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Many names, the same condition -

FND might also be referred to as functional neurological symptom disorder, functional movement disorder, conversion disorder, psychogenic seizures/movement disorder, dissociative seizures/motor disorder, or nonepileptic seizures.

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Types: seizure-type FND -

Nonepileptic seizures can present in people with FND, as well as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. There might be other causes for the seizures, but those with FND who suffer from seizures are still considered part of this group.

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Motor FND -

Those who who experience symptoms including paralysis and other problems with movement are said to suffer from motor FND.

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Other FND -

Others don't have movement issues but experience problems with other neurological functions, such as sensation, speech, and cognition. 

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Symptoms -

People with FND might experience symptoms including hearing loss, leg or arm weakness, tremors, tics, muscle stiffness, sore movements, poor balance, or muscle contractions. 

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Symptoms -

Confusion, memory loss, numbness, fatigue, chronic headaches, vision changes, or slurred speech can also present in people with FND. 

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At-risk people -

People are more at risk of developing FND if they have experienced psychological or physical trauma, in particular: childhood abuse,
family dysfunction, sexual abuse, exposure to violence, infectious illnesses, physical injury, anxiety, and depression.

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Not just linked to psychiatric issues -

However, it's not just people who've suffered these kinds of trauma who develop FND. Others who have no history of anxiety, depression, or psychological issues can also develop it. 

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Disruptions -

Disruptions or changes in how the brain functions at the structural, cellular, or metabolic level can also lead to FND. But often, the trigger for the resulting symptoms isn't identifiable.

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Brain function -

FND differs from conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, infection, or injury as it is related to the way the brain functions, as opposed to there being damage to the brain's structure.

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Multiple mechanisms -

Multiple differing mechanisms in the brain might be involved, for example, the parts that control the functioning of muscles and the functioning of the senses. However, no disease is present.

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Diagnosis -

There is no one standard test to determine whether a person has FND or not. Specific patterns and symbols are examined, and a neurologist is usually involved in giving a diagnosis.

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Physical exam -

Your healthcare provider may want to carry out a physical exam, in order to rule out other neurological diseases or conditions.

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Diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 -

The criteria set in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, may be compared with your symptoms.

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Treatment: occupational therapy -

If your movement is restricted, working with a physical or occupational therapist might help to regain muscle flexibility and strength. Regular exercises might result in increased mobility over time.

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Speech therapy -

If you're experiencing difficulties with your speech as a result of FND, working with a speech therapist is an option, and could help to regain confidence.

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Stress reduction exercises -

Gentle physical activities, light movements, breathing exercises, and distraction techniques such as music or talking to another person can be helpful therapies.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) -

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy. It helps a person to identify negative or inaccurate thought patterns, so they can respond to situations differently.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) -

CBT can help people to manage stressful life situations, so they can respond to them more effectively. For those with interpersonal problems, a history of trauma, and nonepileptic seizures, CBT could be particularly beneficial.

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Addressing other mental health concerns -

Neurologic disorder symptoms can be made worse by depression, anxiety, and/or other mental health disorders. Addressing these disorders with treatment might have a positive knock-on effect.

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Medications -

Unfortunately, medication is not effective for FND, and there are currently no medicines approved for its treatment by the FDA. If you're suffering from other mental health disorders, medication for these might be helpful.

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Regular check-ups -

Staying up to date on check-ups with your doctor means you can make any changes needed to your treatment plan, and keep an eye on any changing or new symptoms.

Sources: (Healthline) (Mayo Clinic) (Neurological Council of WA) (Patient.info)

See also: The most common things that cause anxiety

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