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Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): Myths and Facts

Sandeep Dhanyamraju
Medically reviewed by Chaitanya Bonda
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Sandeep Dhanyamraju
Medically reviewed by Chaitanya Bonda

Many conditions are caused by changes in how brain networks work. Let’s discuss functional neurological disorder (FND), a serious neurological condition. It is gaining increasing awareness in the medical community. Yet, FND remains widely misunderstood. It occurs when the brain has difficulty sending and receiving signals properly. This leads to neurological symptoms. They mimic other disorders and apparent structural abnormalities. These symptoms can range from motor problems, like weakness or tremors, to sensory issues, such as seizures and even speech difficulties. 

FND can be profoundly disabling. It does not stem from a structural issue in the brain. Instead, this is typically caused by dysfunction. This is how the brain processes and communicates signals. FND awareness is essential to combat misconceptions. It ensures that individuals receive proper care and support. Understanding the facts about FND is crucial in addressing its stigma. It provides effective treatment. We will explore common myths about FND and clarify the truths. They can help patients and the broader medical community. Let’s explore this condition in detail.

What Are the Key Neurological Symptoms of FND? 

What-Are-the-Key

FND is a serious condition. The brain struggles to send or receive signals correctly. It leads to many neurological symptoms. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life. These signs often mimic those of other neurological conditions. Without a clear underlying physical cause, diagnosis can be challenging.

Common symptoms of FND include:

  • Paralysis or Weakness: This sign appears in one or more limbs or areas of the body.
  • Tremors: Some individuals may experience involuntary shaking.
  • Abnormal Gait: Some patients experience difficulty walking.
  • Non-epileptic seizures: These conditions are also called psychogenic seizures.
  • Speech: Symptoms include swallowing difficulties.
  • Numbness or Loss of Sensation: These symptoms can appear in different parts of the body.
  • Dizziness: Some individuals face loss of balance.
  • Blurred Vision: Many patients experience double vision.

These symptoms can often be mistaken for other conditions, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or even psychiatric disorders. This is why FND awareness is crucial for medical professionals and patients alike. Without an understanding of FND, there is a risk of misdiagnosis. It can lead to unnecessary treatments or delays in the appropriate care. Recognizing FND as a legitimate neurological disorder. This is despite the lack of apparent physical abnormalities. It is key to improving outcomes and providing proper treatment for those affected.

FND vs. Other Functional Disorders: Key Differences

FND awareness is crucial because this is often mistaken for other functional disorders. It is because of overlapping symptoms. Here are the main differences:

  • FND vs. Functional Illnesses: FND affects the nervous system. Other disorders impact different body systems, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in the digestive system. Fibromyalgia is in the musculoskeletal system.
  • Neurological Symptoms: FND presents with tremors, weakness, and non-epileptic seizures. They resemble neurological diseases but occur without structural damage to the brain.
  • Psychological Overlap: Many functional disorders include FND. They have links to stress or trauma. FND leads to misdiagnosis as a purely psychiatric condition.
  • Diagnostic Challenges: FND mimics neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis. It confuses medical professionals.
  • Treatment Approaches: FND treatment includes physical therapy and retraining the nervous system. Other functional illnesses often involve dietary changes, pain management, or gastrointestinal therapies.
  • FND Misunderstanding: FND is frequently dismissed as a mental health issue due to its psychological associations. It delays proper diagnosis and treatment.

Raising FND awareness helps distinguish it from other functional illnesses. It ensures appropriate care and reduces stigma.

The Role of Mental Health in FND Diagnosis and Treatment 

Psychological health plays a significant role in the development and management of FND. Stress, trauma, and anxiety can trigger or worsen symptoms:

  • Emotional Triggers: Many individuals with FND have a history of trauma or psychological stress. It can affect how the brain communicates with the body.
  • Neurological vs. Psychological: FND is a neurological disorder. Its link to mental health often leads to misconceptions that it is purely psychological.
  • Diagnosis Challenges: Since FND symptoms resemble neurological diseases, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. Misdiagnosis is common, delaying proper treatment.
  • Psychiatric Overlap: Co-existing conditions are depression, PTSD, or anxiety. They can make diagnosis challenges more complex. Symptoms may be generally attributed to mental illness rather than FND.
  • Treatment Complexity: Addressing psychological health and neurological symptoms is crucial. It requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving neurologists, psychiatrists, and physical therapists.
  • Stigma and Misunderstanding: The psychological association can lead to symptoms being dismissed. It prevents patients from receiving the comprehensive care they need.

Healthcare providers must recognize challenges and understand their role in mental health. They can improve FND treatment and patient outcomes.

Challenges in Diagnosing FND: Why It’s Often Overlooked 

FND awareness is essential because this condition is frequently overlooked, because of its complex and varied symptoms. FND is often overlooked because:

  • Lack of Structural Damage: FND does not show apparent abnormalities on brain scans. This aspect makes it difficult for healthcare providers to confirm the condition through traditional diagnostic tests.
  • Overlap with Mental Health Conditions: There is a connection between FND and anxiety, PTSD, or depression. It usually creates confusion. This often leads doctors to attribute symptoms solely to psychological causes. This is instead of recognizing the neurological dysfunction.
  • Medical Skepticism and Stigma: Many patients experience dismissal or skepticism from healthcare professionals. They may not fully understand FND. It contributes to frustration and delayed treatment.
  • Need for Specialized Knowledge: Many practitioners and neurologists lack sufficient training in FND. It highlights the need for FND awareness and specialized education for accurate assessment.
  • Impact on Patients: Misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis leaves patients feeling invalidated. It delays appropriate therapies and increases emotional distress.
  • Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach: Proper diagnosis requires clinical assessments. It also requires neurological examinations and movement disorder evaluations. This is rather than solely relying on imaging tests.
  • The Importance of Early Recognition: Addressing diagnosis challenges early allows timely interventions, such as physical therapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches. It improves patient outcomes.

Increasing FND awareness and improving expertise in diagnosis problems is important. The medical community can reduce stigma, enhance care, and provide better support. This is crucial for those affected by FND.

Therapeutic Approaches to FND: What Works? 

Therapeutic-Approaches

FND awareness is crucial in improving the patient experience and reducing stigma. This is surrounding functional illnesses. Many people with FND face skepticism due to misconceptions. Their neurological signs are purely psychological. Here are key challenges in FND awareness:

  • Diagnosis Problems: FND is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. It leads to delays in treatment.
  • Misconceptions about Psychological Health: Many believe FND is “all in the mind.” It disregards the complex interaction between the brain and body.
  • Limited Understanding Among Healthcare Providers: This is a significant challenge. A lack of education on therapeutic approaches can result in inadequate care.

Education and support are essential:

  • Patient Education: Understanding FND helps individuals manage symptoms and seek appropriate care.
  • Support Networks: Connecting with others facing similar struggles reduces isolation and promotes well-being.
  • Medical Training: Increased awareness among doctors ensures accurate diagnosis and practical therapeutic approaches.

Increase FND awareness through educational campaigns. Encourage open discussions. Advocate for better medical training on neurological signs and diagnosis problems. Enhancing FND awareness can create a more supportive environment for patients. This ensures patients receive the care and understanding they deserve.

Raising FND Awareness: Breaking Down Myths and Supporting Patients 

FND awareness is essential for improving the patient experience and reducing stigma. This condition presents with weakness, tremors, and seizures, yet it remains widely misunderstood. Many patients struggle with delayed diagnoses and skepticism. It comes from the public and medical professionals. Let’s explore the role of FND awareness in patient care:

  • Reduces Stigma: Greater awareness helps people understand that FND is an actual condition, not an imagined one.
  • Improves the Individual’s Experience: Early recognition improves support and treatment.
  • Encourages Proper Diagnosis: Misdiagnosis or dismissal of neurological symptoms can delay effective care.

The importance of patient education and support networks:

  • Empowers Patients: Understanding their condition helps individuals manage symptoms.
  • Provides Emotional Support: Connecting with others facing similar challenges improves well-being.
  • Improves Medical Care: Educating healthcare professionals ensures more accurate diagnoses. It also guarantees better treatment plans.

Spread FND awareness through social media, campaigns, and advocacy groups. Educate the public on the reality of FND and its impact on the patient experience. Encourage medical training on recognizing and treating neurological signs effectively. We must prioritize FND awareness. We can foster a more understanding and supportive environment for those affected by this complex condition. If you’re experiencing symptoms of FND or need guidance, our medical team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a professional consultation.

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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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