FND Awareness Day UK | 25th March 2022

On the 25th March, people across the UK, and across Australia, unite to help spread much needed awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

Functional Neurological symptoms are commonly seen in Neurology clinics, and can affect anyone of any age. FND can encompass a diverse range of neurological symptoms that can affect the motor, movement and sensory functions of the body. Symptoms may include seizures, paralysis, tremors, limb weakness, walking difficulties, cognitive issues and more.

Symptoms appear similar to conditions such as Parkinsons, MS and Epilipsy, but have a different underlining cause. Rather than symptoms being a consequence of disease or structural damage, they are caused by a “functioning” problem of the brain/nervous system.

The severity and variation of symptoms differ from person to person, but many suffer with debilitating physical disabilities. Levels of recovery can be possible with the right treatment. For instance specialist physiotherapy can assist with learning to walk properly again, and others are able to find ways of managing their symptoms to allow them to lead the best life possible.