What is Functional Neurologic Disorder?

Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND), also called conversion disorder, is a condition in which the brain does not send and receive signals properly — even though there is no injury or structural damage to the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. Because of this, patients can experience real neurologic symptoms such as seizures, weakness, or loss of speech. These symptoms are genuine and involuntary, not “imagined” or “faked,” and they can significantly affect daily life. FND is best managed by a multidisciplinary team — including a neurologist, mental health specialist, and rehabilitation therapists (physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist).

⚠️ Causes

The exact cause is not fully known. Possible factors include:

• The brain’s protective response to pain or threat — it may “shut down” parts of the body.

• Abnormal communication between the brain and body affecting movement, sensation, or speech.
  
  

🧩 Risk Factors

You are more likely to develop FND if you:

• Have other neurological or chronic pain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraine).

• Have mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Have a history of trauma, abuse, or major life stress.

• Are under ongoing psychological or emotional stress.
  
  

⚕️ Symptoms

FND symptoms vary from person to person and can appear suddenly, often during or after stress.

Common symptoms:

• Weakness or paralysis of limbs.

• Shaking or jerking (may resemble seizures).

• Tremors, spasms, or unsteady walking.

• Trouble swallowing or a “lump in the throat.”

• Stuttering or loss of speech.

• Numbness or loss of sensation.

Other possible symptoms:

• Vision problems (blurred, double vision, or blindness).

• Hearing changes (deafness or ringing in ears).

• Seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations).

🧠 Diagnosis

Diagnosis is clinical and based on neurological examination and exclusion of other disorders.
Tests may include:

• MRI or CT scan of the brain.

• EEG (to rule out epilepsy).

• Blood and urine tests to exclude metabolic causes.

A neurologist confirms FND when the findings do not match known neurological patterns and symptoms can vary with attention or stress.

💊 Treatment

There is no single cure, but treatment can greatly improve symptoms.
Therapy focuses on retraining the brain–body connection and managing stress.

Treatment options:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – helps identify triggers, manage stress, and change response patterns.

  • A special form, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), focuses on accepting feelings and making positive changes.

• Physical Therapy (PT) – improves movement, balance, and strength.

• Occupational Therapy (OT) – helps regain daily living skills.

• Speech Therapy – if speech or swallowing are affected.

• Relaxation techniques – yoga, meditation, breathing exercises.

• Medications – antidepressants may help even without depression.
  
  

🏠 Home and Lifestyle Care

• Take medicines only as prescribed.

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and certain cold medicines that can trigger symptoms.

• Practice stress reduction and relaxation exercises.

• Join a support group for FND.

• Attend regular follow-up visits — therapy helps retrain brain pathways and reduce relapses.

🚨 When to Contact Your Doctor

Call your health care provider if:

• Your symptoms worsen or do not improve.

• You develop new symptoms.

• You feel frustrated, anxious, or hopeless about your condition.

Seek immediate help if you:

• Feel like hurting yourself or others, or have thoughts of suicide.

  • Call 988 (India helpline: 9152987821 – AASRA, or 104 – State mental health helpline).

  • Or go to the nearest emergency room.
    
    

✅ Key Takeaways

• FND causes real neurological symptoms without structural brain injury.

• It is treatable with the right combination of therapy, stress management, and support.

• Early diagnosis, reassurance, and multidisciplinary care lead to the best recovery outcomes.