Functional neurological disorder

Question 1

What is FND?

Answer 1

Name given for symptoms in the body which appear to be caused by problems in the nervous system but which are not caused by a physical neurological disease or disorder

Question 2

What are some conditions that are also commonly found in those with FND?

Answer 2

IBS
Chronic pain patients
PTSD
Antisocial personality disorder

Question 3

What are some risk factors for FND?

Answer 3

• Traumatic events
• Physical/sexual abuse
• Other stress
• Anxiety or depression

Question 4

What are some forms of symptoms of FND?

Answer 4

Sensory symptoms (Pain or anaesthesia)
Concentration, memory and fatigue issues
Movement symptoms (E.g. movement difficulty)
Functional seizures

Question 5

What are functional seizures?

Answer 5

• Attacks with prominent motor activity
• Episodes of collapse with no movement
• Abreactive attacks - fear, gasping, hyperventilation
• Duration often prolonged e.g. 10-20 mins

Question 6

What investigations are required in FND?

Answer 6

• History
• Linguistic analysis
• Ruling out of physical causes e.g. EEG to rule out epilepsy

Question 7

What are some management options for FND?

Answer 7

• Education and support
• Appropriate counseling for any previous traumatic events
• Treatment of any associated anxiety or depression
• CBT standard treatment of choice