Symptoms
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) occurs as a result of a problem with the functioning of the brain and nervous system. The brain and nervous system fail to send and/or receive signals correctly around the body, leading to a variety of movement, motor, sensory, and cognitive disturbances. In many cases, these symptoms can be extremely disabling and unpredictable.
Although symptoms may resemble those seen in other neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and Epilepsy, the underlying mechanism of FND is different – symptoms arise from disruptions in the brain’s communication pathways, not from structural damage. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, and the severity, frequency, and combination of symptoms can fluctuate.
Some people may experience only one or two symptoms, while others may have several. It’s important to remember that seeing a list of possible symptoms doesn’t mean that everyone with FND will experience all – or even most – of them. The presentation of FND is highly individual, and not all symptoms apply to every person.
Additionally, FND may co-exist with other well-known neurological diseases or disorders. As a result, comparing symptoms with others, even those with the same diagnosis, should be done with care.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This list of symptoms below is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be used to self-diagnose.
Not everyone with FND will experience all of these symptoms, and each person’s experience can vary greatly.
(Sometimes referred to as Functional Movement Disorder)
Tremor: Uncontrollable shaking, often in limbs, that may disappear if distracted.
Functional Dystonia: Painful muscle spasms often leading to clenched hands, fixed positioning in a foot or facial contractions.
Functional Myoclonus: Uncontrollable jerks or jumps, which can be in the absence of being startled.
Functional Tics: Sudden, repetitive movements or sounds.
Gait disturbances: Difficulty walking, dragging legs, or sudden knee-buckling (drop attacks).
Limb and muscle weakness: Inability to bear weight or control muscles.
Paralysis: Temporary loss of movement, often affecting one side of the body or specific limbs.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction: Difficulty controlling urination or bowel movements.
Speech and swallowing difficulties: Changes in voice quality or trouble swallowing.
(Formerly known as Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder [NEAD])
See our Functional Seizures page for further information
(It’s important to note that sensory symptoms can also be associated with emotional/mental health problems, other diagnosis’, and general aging.)
Fleeting sensations: Skin crawling or electric shock-like sensations.
Hypersensitivity: Over-sensitivity to light, sound, or touch.
Visual disturbances: Blurred vision or seeing flashes of light.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: A sensation of spinning or imbalance.
Memory issues: Forgetfulness or trouble retaining new information.
Attention and concentration problems: Difficulty staying focused or experiencing “brain fog.”
Word-finding difficulty: Trouble articulating thoughts or speaking clearly.
Disassociation: Feeling disconnected from your body or surroundings.
In addition to the core motor and sensory features of FND, a significant amount of people experience a range of other symptoms that can affect daily functioning. These symptoms may relate to a different diagnosis. These may include:
Fatigue: Chronic tiredness that may not be relieved by rest.
Chronic pain: Ongoing pain that may not have a clear cause, often affecting muscles or joints.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless nights.
Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression or mood swings that may accompany physical symptoms.
Headaches/Migraines: Persistent or intense headaches, sometimes accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, or visual disturbances.
FND can present with a wide variety of symptoms, which may change over time. It’s important to work with healthcare providers who specialise in FND to treat and manage these symptoms effectively. Research is ongoing to understand the condition better and improve treatments.
For a more comprehensive understanding and resources, please visit the Neurosymptoms website
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