What is functional neurological disorder?
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a rare condition in which the nervous system doesn't function correctly, sending incorrect signals between the brain and body. Hence, FND is a condition that involves a person's neurology and psychiatry. Often, scans done on a patient with FND do not show any abnormailities, and hence sometimes it has been neglected by physicians. Nowadays, however, more research has been done on FND and it is recognised as a cause of disability, pain and fatigue.
What are the signs or symptoms of FND?
FND may cause motor or sensory dysfunction, as well as episodes of altered awareness. An example of a motor dysfunction would be functional speech problems (e.g. slurring or stuttering). An example of a sensory dysfunction could be visual problems or feeling numbness in your limbs. An episode of altered awareness would be a non-epileptic seizure and/or fainting (sometimes these may overlap).
What causes functional neurological disorder?
The exact cause of FND is unknown, however risk factors or triggers may include injury, infectious illness or migraines.
How is FND treated?
Treatment of FND uses a combination of psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.
11-08-2019 04-28-2023Functional neurological disorder
Dr Daniel Ghossain - Psychology
Created on: 11-08-2019
Updated on: 04-28-2023
Edited by: Aoife Maguire
What is functional neurological disorder?
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a rare condition in which the nervous system doesn't function correctly, sending incorrect signals between the brain and body. Hence, FND is a condition that involves a person's neurology and psychiatry. Often, scans done on a patient with FND do not show any abnormailities, and hence sometimes it has been neglected by physicians. Nowadays, however, more research has been done on FND and it is recognised as a cause of disability, pain and fatigue.
What are the signs or symptoms of FND?
FND may cause motor or sensory dysfunction, as well as episodes of altered awareness. An example of a motor dysfunction would be functional speech problems (e.g. slurring or stuttering). An example of a sensory dysfunction could be visual problems or feeling numbness in your limbs. An episode of altered awareness would be a non-epileptic seizure and/or fainting (sometimes these may overlap).
What causes functional neurological disorder?
The exact cause of FND is unknown, however risk factors or triggers may include injury, infectious illness or migraines.
How is FND treated?
Treatment of FND uses a combination of psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.
What is functional neurological disorder?
By Dr Daniela Riano Barros
2025-01-15
Functional neurological disorder is rare condition where there is a dysfunction in the nervous system that disrupts how the brain sends signals to the rest of the body. In this article a consultant psychiatrist explains functional neurological disorder, how it can occur, and what possible treatments are available. See more
Functional neurological disorder: what exactly is it?
By Dr Ezzat Awad
2025-01-14
Functional neurological disorder occurs when the emotional centre of the human brain is disrupted in some way and can adversely affect one's ability to control and deal with emotions. On hand to provide a more detailed overview of the condition and how it can be treated is highly reputable consultant neurologist, Dr Ezzat Awad. See more
An introduction to functional neurological disorder (FND)
By Dr Michael Newson
2025-01-13
Leading consultant psychiatrist Dr Michael Newson tells us all about functional neurological disorder (FND) in this informative article. See more
Exploring functional neurological disorder
By Dr Abhijit Das
2025-01-13
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a complex condition where the brain struggles to send and interpret signals correctly, leading to symptoms that mimic other neurological conditions. The condition can be challenging to diagnose and manage. We speak to leading consultant neurologist Dr Abhijit Das, who provides clarity and hope for those affected by this disorder. See more
Experts in Functional neurological disorder
-
Dr Nikki Scheiner
PsychologyExpert in:
- Functional neurological disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Relationship counselling
-
Dr Ezzat Awad
NeurologyExpert in:
- Epilepsy
- Movement disorders
- Stroke
- Functional neurological disorder
- Migraine
- Parkinson's disease
-
Professor Simone Di Giovanni
NeurologyExpert in:
- Neurological disorders
- Degenerative nerve disease
- Functional neurological disorder
- Traumatic brain injury
- Headache
- Chronic pain
-
Professor Kallol Ray Chaudhuri
NeurologyExpert in:
- Parkinson's disease
- Functional neurological disorder
- Dystonia
- Movement disorders
- Restless legs syndrome
- Alzheimer's disease
-
Dr Ioannis Mavroudis
NeurologyExpert in:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neuromuscular disease
- Functional neurological disorder
- Migraine
- Epilepsy
- Dementia
- See all
Cleveland Clinic London Hospital
Cleveland Clinic London Hospital
33 Grosvenor Place
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
Dementech Neurosciences
Dementech Neurosciences
Lister House, 11-12 Wimpole St, London, W1G 9ST
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
Cleveland Clinic Portland Place Outpatient Centre
Cleveland Clinic Portland Place Outpatient Centre
24 Portland Place, W1B 1LU
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
Cleveland Clinic London Hospital
33 Grosvenor Place, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cardiology
- Colorectal surgery
- Minimal access surgery (keyhole surgery)
- Gallbladder surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Ultrasound
-
Dementech Neurosciences
Lister House, 11-12 Wimpole St, London, W1G 9ST, W1G Marylebone LondonExpert in:
- Neurology
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
-
Cleveland Clinic Portland Place Outpatient Centre
24 Portland Place, W1B 1LU, Central LondonExpert in:
- Diagnosis of Cancer
- Diagnostics
- Women’s health
- Sports Medicine
- General practice
- Health check up
- Most viewed diseases, medical tests, and treatments
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Narcolepsy
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cluster headaches
- Tension headache
- Chronic headache
- Peripheral nerve block
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Migraine