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FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER

What's FND? 
 

Functional Neurological Disorder is the presence of neurological symptoms (such as weakness, difficulty walking, seizures) that are due to a problem with how the neurological system is working, rather than because of damage. A simplistic way to view it is that there is a disconnect between the neurological system and your body.

 

You can also have functional symptoms as well as neurological damage, sometimes called 'functional overlay'- in these situations we look for symptoms that aren't explained by the other neurological condition. 

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Most people don't know about FND until they, or a loved one, are diagnosed with it. You may be surprised, but it's so much more common than you think! 

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So much has changed in our knowledge and perceptions of FND in the past decade- and this is for the better for people living with FND.

 

We know that FND is a real condition that straddles the medical specialties of Neurology and Psychiatry. But we're still not really sure why people get FND or the mechanism behind it- although new knowledge has been coming out in the research at lightning speed, so we may have more answers in years to come. 

Where does neurological physiotherapy fit in?
 

There are many subtypes of FND, but neurological physiotherapists have particularly important roles in:

  • Functional Motor Disorder (limb weakness) 

  • Functional Gait Disorder (difficulty walking) 

  • Functional Movement Disorders

  • Functional Tremor

  • Functional Dystonia

  • Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (functional dizziness- also known as PPPD or 3PD)

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FND can be a challenging condition to treat, and every person is unique in their symptoms, therapy plan and progress. It's important that any clinicians working with you have experience treating people with FND, that they understand the condition and understand the principles of providing rehab for FND. 

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There are a few strategies we use to ensure you achieve the best outcome in managing your FND:

  1. That you have a formal diagnosis of FND and are accepting of this diagnosis before we start any physiotherapy- this is a non-negotiable at Cortex Neuro Rehab, otherwise we're wasting your time​ ​

  2. We work closely with your medical specialist (neurologist or rehabilitation physician) and psychologist (neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist), so our therapies complement each other

  3. We thoroughly try to understand your symptoms, including the history of symptoms, daily pattern, identification of triggers (if any) and previous therapy that has/hasn't helped

  4. Goals are mapped out in a structured and methodical way, specific to you and your situation

  5. We're conservative in pushing you physically- it's all about choosing the right time to challenge you

  6. Being open and honest with our plans, strategies and thought processes throughout. Often there's a lot of trial and error until we find the right strategy for you- we're open about that.  

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