Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): Its Real Symptoms
You are not alone!
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is real.
What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?
FND, previously known as Conversion Disorder, is a disorder that sits in the grey space between physical and psychological. Psychological? Does that mean it is all in my head? HELL NO! The symptoms are real! We are not faking, pretending or even controlling our symptoms. In fact, recent fMRI studies has shown a decrease in function in voluntary motor pathways.
FND is common, it is not as rare as some believe. It is commonly described as being a software problem not a hardware issue. This is because FND is an issue with the functioning of the nervous system not with the physical structure of the body. It is how the brain and body send or receive signals is affected by having FND.
Symptoms
Symptoms of FND can vary from person to person. Most people experience more than one symptom, often experiencing them simultaneously. Symptoms often seem unconnected, which is my experience.
According to neurosymptoms.org, one of the most common symptoms is functional seizures, which is what I started with. Other symptoms I experienced are:
Motor function – e.g. limb function such as weakness or paralysis, drop attacks, spasms.
Sensory – e.g. reduced sensation, visual disturbances, and I question my hearing loss.
Cognition – e.g. concentration, memory and a feeling of brain fog.
Other common symptoms…
Just to add to the list of symptoms above, other commonly associated symptoms, that I experience are:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Digestion issues, and
- Headaches.
The information provided is to share my experience, for further information, I would recommend discussing with your healthcare team and to check out the links to FND Hope and Neuro Symptoms on my resources page.
