A problem with how the brain receives and transmits information to the rest of the body is referred to as a functional neurological disorder (FND).
Often, it helps to visualize your brain as a computer. There is no harm to the brain’s structure or hardware in a person with FND. The computer’s software, or program, is the malfunctioning part of the system.
You have no influence over the level of the brain where the issues causing FND are occurring. Seizures and paralysis in the arms and legs are among its symptoms. While not directly brought on by FND, other symptoms like pain or exhaustion are frequently present in conjunction with it.
FND symptoms
Numerous symptoms of FND exist, and they might differ from person to person. While some people may have several symptoms, others may just have a few.
There are additional signs or ailments that are frequently connected to FND. Among them are:
- Chronic pain, such as complicated regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, and back and neck pain
- Chronic exhaustion sleep issues, such as hypersomnia (sleeping too much) and insomnia (not sleeping enough)
- Migraines as well as other forms of facial pain and headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome and other issues pertaining to stomach and bowel function
- Panic episodes and anxiety
- Depression
- Condition resulting from extreme stress
- Persistent retention of urine even after all tests are negative (which could be Fowler’s syndrome)
- Breathing problems
Why does FND occur?
We understand that the cause of the symptoms of familial non-verbal dementia (FND) is a malfunction in the brain’s communication with other parts of the body and with itself. Through the use of research instruments, scientists are able to determine that individuals with FND have malfunctioning brain circuits.
Still, a great deal of research needs to be done to determine the causes and mechanisms of FND.
Why does FND occur?
Many different factors can lead to FND. There are frequently multiple causes, and each person’s explanations can be very different.
The following are a few explanations for why the brain malfunctions in FND:
- The brain turning off some or all of the body in reaction to something it perceives as dangerous
- The brain trying to get rid of a painful sensation
- A migraine or other neurological symptom
Making a FND diagnosis
Your healthcare professional will perform an assessment to determine whether there are any common clinical symptoms of FND before making a diagnosis.
Before making a FND diagnosis, your healthcare professional may still decide to run tests for other illnesses and ailments. This is due to the fact that many disorders have similar symptoms, and in about 25% of instances, FND coexists with another neurological disorder.
It is possible for someone to have multiple sclerosis (MS), sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, epilepsy, and FND at the same time.
That being said, as you exhibit the clinical signs of FND, the diagnosis of FND should be made. It shouldn’t be administered merely because no other illnesses or symptoms are apparent.
Interventions
FND is a very erratic illness. Some folks only have very transient effects. They can be owned by others for a long time.
Treatments are offered to control and enhance FND. All of these therapies are types of rehabilitation therapy, and their goal is to make you more capable of performing daily tasks. The goal of many of these therapies is to “retrain the brain.”
Treatment can be very beneficial for some FND patients, who may even experience remission. Some people receive treatment, yet their FND symptoms persist.
