Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a medical condition in which there is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body sends and/or receives signals, rather than a structural disease process such as multiple sclerosis or stroke. Even though FND is a medical condition communly seen in Neurology,Epilepsy, and Pain clinics, Functional Neurological Disorder is listed in the database of the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD). FND can encompass a wide variety of neurological symptoms, such as limb weakness or seizures. (See symptoms of FND).
“FND is a condition at the interface between the specialties of neurology and psychiatry. Conventional tests such as MRI brain scans and EEGs are usually normal in patients with FND. This had led, historically, to the condition being relatively neglected by both clinicians and researchers. However, it is now established that FND is a common cause of disability and distress, which may overlap with other problems such as chronic pain and fatigue. Encouraging studies support the potential reversibility of FND with specifically tailored treatments. New scientific findings are influencing how patients are diagnosed and treated which is creating an overall change in attitude towards people with FND. Older ideas that FND is “all psychological” and that the diagnosis is made only when someone has normal tests have changed since the mid-2000s. The new understanding, including modern neuroscientific studies, has shown that FND is not a diagnosis of exclusion. It has specific clinical features of its own and is a disorder of the nervous system functioning in which many perspectives are necessary. These vary a lot from person to person. In some people, psychological factors are important, in others they are not.”
Reference: National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD)
Short animated video organized by Alex Lehn, Neurologist, Brisbane Clinical Neuroscience Centre and Australian FND Network. https://fndaustralia.com.au/, https://www.materonline.org.au/specialist/neurology/dr-alexander-lehn, https://www.explanimate.com.au/
English Version
French Version
Other terminology
FND has been known by many other names through out it’s long history
Other excellent resources
for FND patients include:
FND Action (England and Wales)
FND Australia
FND Guide (Neurosymptoms.org)
Functional Neurological Disorder Society
FND Portal
French websites include:
Hospice Civil De Lyons
Professeur Jon Stone, Consultant Neurologue
Peer to Peer FND support
groups on Facebook:
Canada (English and French):
International (English):
FND Hope US/Canada
Functional Neurological Disorder