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Functional Disorder Disease

Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju
Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju

Dynamic neurological disorders imply different malfunctions of the nervous system. These are not the same things as some organic diseases that affect the nervous system. Functional neurological disorder means that your body doesn’t receive neuro signals or has trouble receiving signals from your brain. This leads to various symptoms, like overall weakness, movement troubles, etc.

Usually, a patient complains of numbness, pain, gait disturbance, and fainting. But, sometimes it happens that many doctors can’t figure out the root of the problem; this leads to multiple checkouts, various medical testing and visiting different doctors, or even inappropriate medical treatment. Indeed, there are a lot of stories of people struggling with a functional neurological disorder, which was taken for another illness.   

The annual statistics show there are 37.2 cases of FND per 100,000 persons. Besides, women and children under 20 are at higher risk. Though many symptoms are typically confused with ordinary fatigues, neurological disorders require a professional cure. In any case, don’t try to treat it on your own, as you require proper medical care from a qualified professional. So, what should you know about functional neurological disorders?

Peculiarities of Dynamic Neurological Disorder

We have given you the basic definition of the FND, but now let’s take a closer look at it. Therefore we will understand how it works and the reason for its occurrence.

Neurology and psychology

This disorder is somehow related to both. When the disease was only slightly discovered, doctors did not recognize it as a separate illness. In fact, patients complaining about common FND symptoms were considered liars or simply struggling from some other disease.  Even though FND is traditionally referred to as a disease at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry, the psychological component of these disorders often prevails. At the same time, improvement in mental health is associated with a significant improvement in the condition of patients.

Moreover, some doctors regarded these symptoms as typical displays of psychosomatic disease. Indeed, neurology has a tight bond with psychology; for instance, some neurological disorders can manifest in skin troubles. Another trouble with FND is that patients have normal indicators of MRI. This is another reason why FND wasn’t recognized as a separate illness and was denied by the physicians. 

A bond between trauma and FND is observed in a wide range of cases, from 15 to 77%, according to different studies. However, attempts to classify this disorder further based on the type of trauma or type of symptom have been controversial. It is well known that psychological trauma in early childhood is closely linked with dissociation. The development of dissociative disorders explains the role of early traumatic experiences in the development of non-epileptic (dissociative) seizures.

Therapy

There are not so many functional neurological disorder examples, so the data about the disease is poor. But the causes and symptoms are pretty similar to many other neurological malfunctions, like functional gait disorder

This disorder’s lack of facts and uncertainty often leads to inappropriate medical treatment. In fact, those who are struggling with functional neurological disorders tend to pay the most considerable sums of money for their treatment compared to other people with movement disorders. So, as we said before, in any case, don’t try to self-medicate. You need a proper medical service that will save your health, time, and money. 

For functional disorders, the following groups of drugs are used:

  • antidepressants;
  • tranquillizers;
  • antipsychotics;
  • anticonvulsants (antiepileptic drugs);
  • sleeping pills.

Drug treatment aims are to reduce functional disorders, relieve pain, normalize mood, and relieve anxiety and fatigue.

causes of dynamic neurological disorder

Signals and Causes of Dynamic Neurological Disorder

Ironically, the critical problem of this disorder is that your body gets the wrong signal from your brain, which is essential for you to note. So, what are the standard signals your body sends you to recognize as conversion disorder? And what are the reasons for your body to send them? 

Basic symptoms:

  • General Weakness/Increased Fatigue
  • Dizziness/Headache
  • Pain In The Back, Trunk, Limbs
  • Sensitivity Disorders
  • Involuntary Movements
  • Gait Disturbances
  • Speech Disorders/Difficulty Finding Words
  • Memory / Concentration Impairment
  • Derealization
  • Disconnections
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Visual Impairment
  • Swallowing Disorder
  • Urinary Disorders/Bowel Problems
  • Depressed Mood/Anxiety/Panic/Health Anxiety

As you can see, FND has much in common with a lot of different illnesses, so it is quite easy to confuse it with something else. The symptoms may change from day to day. Moreover, they can occur periodically; therefore, one day, you may struggle from a severe headache, and the next day, everything will be fine. That’s why self-diagnosis doesn’t work. 

Reasons

The mechanisms that cause functional neurological anxiety and depression disorder are poorly studied. Therefore, the list of reasons is not complete. There is an assumption that one of the causes of that might be a bad sense of body control. Also, physicians still proposed several roots of this problem:

  • Stress/Constant fatigues. It is known that constant stress results in many surprising body reactions, which at first might not have any roots to occur. 
  • Other neurological diseases. The chances for you to get FND to grow if you are already struggling from some neurological condition. 
  • Injuries. A lot of functional neurological disorder stories begin from getting an injury that might be a trigger for the condition
  • Psychological causes. Anxiety attacks and migraines can also result in you getting a neurological disorder. 
  • Infectious disease. It is not apparent but infectious diseases can affect the nervous system.

All in all, now you have a basic knowledge of these disorders. Like any other illness, it must be appropriately treated by the high-qualified physician. In any case, do not try to diagnose and treat it yourself, as there is a big chance for you to mistake it with any other disease. Follow all the necessary medications your physician prescribed you and take care of yourself!

FAQs

  • Is functional neurological disorder a mental illness?

No, it does not apply to mental illnesses. Though, often the occurrence of FND is caused by some psychological troubles (i.e., stress).

  • Can you recover from a functional neurological disorder?

Yes, you can. Quite a lot of people recover from FND with time. But the key to it is finding the cause of its occurrence and eliminating it.

  • Is functional neurological disorder a disability?

The functional neurological disorder can be viewed sometimes as a disability as it violates the proper functioning of your body. But it rather depends on the level it affects your body. 

  • How long does functional neurological disorder last?

Concerning the symptoms: they occur periodically and may change with time. For example, some might disappear while the new ones appear. The sooner you treat this, the sooner you recover. 

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Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
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