Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a medical condition in which there is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body sends and/or receives signals without any structural or physical damage. FND can encompass a wide variety of neurological symptoms that can’t be explained by medical tests or lab work.

People with FND can have a wide range of symptoms, including: 

• Non-epileptic seizures
• Tremors
• Muscle or limb weakness or paralysis
• Other involuntary muscle movements
• Gait and balance problems
• Speech or vision problems
• Abnormal sensory experiences
• Cognitive complaints
• Bowl/bladder issues
• Headache, migraine, or other body pain

The root cause of FND is unknown. We do know that people who most commonly develop FND have a biological vulnerability, psychological vulnerability, and environmental stressor that all play a role in the development of FND. Many people with FND have a history of trauma, but not all do. We also know that FND is not just "IN YOUR HEAD" as is the common misconception.

To understand the course of FND, we refer the 5-P Model:

Presenting issue (FND)

Predisposing factors

Precipitating events

Perpetuating mechanisms

Protective factors