Functional neurologic disorder (FND) is a neurological condition caused by changes in brain networks, rather than the structure of the brain itself. Symptoms of FND are real, but they cannot be explained by changes in the brain structure like other neurological disorders. The exact cause of FND is unknown.

FND can cause multiple symptoms that significantly interfere with activiites of daily life. Symptoms are not intentionally produced, may appear suddenly, increase with attention to them, and decrease when the person is distracted.

Imaging from MRI and CT scans are normal, but research studies that focus on how the brain works rather than what it looks like have shown changes in that the connections between different regions of the brain showing that the brains of those with FND are unable to send and receive signals properly. The part of the brain that helps to reagulate emotion and manage stress, the limbic system, has been show to be impacted as well.

There are many types of FNDs. For some people, symptoms are short-lived. In others, they may chronic and last for years.

Treatment includes a team of multidisciplinary providers with physical therapy, psychotherapy and medication therapy being the most common areas of treatment.

Psychotherapay involves addressing our thoughts and behaviors to support improved emotion regulation, stress management and coping with a chronic medical condition.