Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is becoming more widely diagnosed. It is often life-changing but it's a condition where supportive, informed care can make a real difference and the Neuro Therapy Centre can help with this. 

What Is Functional Neurological Disorder?

FND arises from a problem with how the brain and nervous system send and receive signals. In simple terms, the “hardware” of the brain is intact, but the “software”- the brain’s functional pathway - is not working as it should.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms can vary widely from person to person - some people have just a few symptoms, while others experience many. The symptoms may come and go or persist over time.  They include:

• Limb weakness or paralysis
• Tremors
• Balance issues

• Numbness, tingling, or altered sensation
• Visual changes 
• Non-epileptic seizures

• Fatigue
• Dizziness or headaches
• Speech difficulties 
• Cognitive issues such as memory lapses
  
  

How Is FND Diagnosed?

FND is diagnosed by identifying positive clinical signs - specific patterns that neurologists recognise as typical of functional symptoms. Specialists look for distinctive features, such as symptom inconsistency or improvement during distraction. Scans and tests are also done to help diagnose the condition.  

What Causes FND?

There is no single cause. Instead, research suggests a mix of:

• Neurological factors: disruptions in brain networks involved in movement, attention, and emotion.
• Psychological factors: stress, trauma, or anxiety may play a role but aren't present in every case.
• Social factors: life events, support networks, and environmental stressors.

But like many neurological conditions often a cause is unknown.

How Common Is FND?

• In the UK, there are around 8,000 new diagnoses being made each year.
• There are around 50-100,000 people in the UK living with FND.

How the Neuro Therapy Centre can help 

Physiotherapy and Gym activities

Our therapies and gym teams focus on retraining normal movement patterns.

Counselling  

Our counselling team offers mental health support, listening to concerns and recommending coping strategies. There’s a monthly FND support group too, so you can chat with others with the condition. 

Community

Our friendly and welcoming café  and social space gives you a chance to meet and talk with others with neurological conditions.

 

 

The Neuro Therapy Centre is here to help and support you with physical and emotional therapies, and a supportive community.