functional neurological Disorder

  • Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a group of symptoms that cannot be explained by underlying disease or anatomical abnormalities. Symptoms are caused by alterations in the functioning of brain networks. FND is common but can be difficult for patients and health care professionals to understand. It is the second most common neurological disorder seen in neurology clinics.

  • Some symptoms of FND can include

    • Functional seizures

    • Dissociation

    • Body and limb weakness 

    • Tremors and tics

    • Functional myoclonus/jerks

    • Gait disturbances

    • Dizziness 

    • Functional dystonia/spasms

    • Fatigue 

    • Persistent pain 

  • FND is often used as an umbrella term for the following disorders

    •  Functional movement disorders

    •  Functional seizures (psychogenic non epileptic seizures)

    •  Persistent perceptual postural dizziness (PPPD, functional dizziness)

    •  Complex regional pain symptoms (functional pain disorder) 

  • Your physiotherapist will take the time to understand your symptoms and complete a comprehensive assessment that will look at all the key areas involved with FND. These key areas include physical limitations, motor control deficits, autonomic changes, sensory issues, psychosocial and lifestyle changes. Sessions will include thorough education on the condition, planning and pacing guidelines, tools and exercises to help you get back to the things you love. Nervous system regulation is an integral part of recovery, and physiotherapy can help to identify ongoing triggers and help create solutions to minimize symptoms. 

  • Sessions may include 

    • Education on condition/conditions involved (FND has been found to be more common in those with hypermobility syndrome (EDS), POTS and autism)

    • Creating a pie chart to understand your symptoms/triggers

    • Working on planning and pacing strategies 

    • Addressing physical and motor deficits 

    • Exercises to promote neuroplasticity and changing movement patterns 

    • Creating strategies to manage/minimize seizures

    • Help return to activities you love! 

    Treatment will focus on the things that are most important to you, and we will work together to create a plan that is individually tailored to your symptoms.