Movement and motor symptoms

(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.

Functional seizures

(Formerly known as Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder [NEAD])

See our Functional Seizures page for further information

Sensory symptoms

(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.

Cognitive symptoms

• 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.

Other common co-occurring symptoms (comorbidities)

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