Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)
What is Functional Neurologic Disorder?
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a condition where individuals experience neurological symptoms, such as weakness, movement problems, tremors, and seizures/attacks that cannot be attributed to a clear neurological disease. These symptoms are believed to arise from abnormal functioning of the nervous system rather than structural damage (like a brain tumor or abnormal electrical waves in the brain).
While FND or otherwise known as conversion disorder is the accurate diagnostic term for this condition, its name has evolved over time. Consequently, patients might encounter older, outdated terms like psychogenic symptoms, hysteria, stress symptoms, or medically unexplained symptoms to describe the same set of symptoms. These terms are no longer used due to various reasons.
What Are the Symptoms of Functional Neurologic Disorder?
FND can cause symptoms that significantly impact daily life. They have involved any part of the body and can include one or all the following symptoms:
- Seizure-like episodes
- Movement problems
- Problems with cognitive function
- Dizziness
- Speech difficulties, such as sudden onset of stuttering or trouble speaking
- Problems with vision or hearing
- Pain (including chronic migraine)
- Extreme slowness and fatigue
- Numbness or inability to sense touch
UR Medicine's Treatments for Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)
Diagnosis
You and your healthcare provider will start by exploring your symptoms using tests such as imaging (e.g., MRI, CT, etc.), reviewing your medical and psychosocial history, and possibly labs. These tests help rule out any other causes for your symptoms and identify specific aspects of the disorder that are characteristic of FND.
Treatment
A core value within UR’s Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry is viewing our patients holistically, considering all aspects of their lives during treatment. Treatment focuses on rehabilitation, understanding the condition, identifying triggers and warning signs, and improving coping. The goal is to improve your functioning and quality of life.
FND is usually treated with a team approach. For example, you may first see a mental health professional, with follow-up to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neurology per your symptoms. An individualized treatment plan is created for each patient’s unique situation.
Medications are not shown to be helpful in specifically reducing symptoms of the disorder. However, some patients find it helpful to also treat underlying symptoms with medications that may be worsening the presentation of your symptoms, like medications for anxiety or depression.
What Sets Us Apart?
The Integrated NeuroBehavioral Health Clinic is unique within UR’s Department of Collaborative Care and Wellness embedded within UR’s Department of Neurology. Our psychiatry clinic, integrated within the Department of Neurology, is dedicated to delivering comprehensive mental health care. We work with patients and their support systems to enhance their mental well-being concerning their neurological condition.