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Functional Neurological Disorders (FND)

WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER?

Functional Neurological Disorder: a disorder where there is a mismatch in the brain’s signals to the body. You may experience abnormal movements like tremors, paralysis, weakness, and difficulty walking, some people may also experience non-epileptic seizures, BUT there is no physical damage that has occurred in the brain or body, the signal is just not sending through properly… (think software problem rather than hardware) and this can be helped!

HOW CAN NEURO JUNCTION HELP WITH FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER?

Our team of clinicians at Neuro Junction are continually striving to learn more to help our clients achieve the best outcomes. Recently we were fortunate enough to have one of the leading physiotherapists in the FND world come and give us a workshop on how they help their patients with FND.

Grounding techniques that are useful to manage FND symptoms

Our physiotherapists can conduct an extensive assessment and provide an individualized treatment plan to address any physical symptoms. Recent research has demonstrated marked improvements in functional motor symptoms in patients who work closely with physiotherapists.

Occupational therapists are able to help with self exploration to understand your capabilities and set goals, as well as navigate through problems encountered in day-to-day life. They can provide education, vocational rehabilitation and adaptive aids to help you live your best life.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR CONSULTATION:

  • An initial assessment that gains a holistic understanding of you as an individual, this includes:

    • Finding out about your social and psychological (as appropriate) backgrounds

    • What symptoms you are experiencing, and when

    • Perceptions and beliefs

    • Previous experiences with other clinicians

  • Tests for specific motor symptoms

  • A thorough explanation of the findings from the assessment and what it means

  • Active listening, respect, and reassurance

  • Liaising with other members of your care team

Neuro Junction and Physio Express team attending a workshop about Functional Neurological Disorder and the physiotherapy and occupational therapy management.

FACTS…

60% of all FND patients are able to recover completely when engaged in rehabilitation

Sometimes your symptoms may get worse before they get better, and they often come and go

Spending a long time in a chair or bed will always lead to deterioration

Progress may seem slow; however, every rehabilitation exercise is helping the brain and nerves to learn how to work normally

For further information visit FND Australia

REFERENCES

Nhan, P. and Cheah, V. Functional neurological disorder (FND) learning guide, Mater Centre for Neurosciences . Available at: https://fndaustralia.com.au/resources/FND-Learning-guide-for-nurses.pdf. 

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