It’s been a while since I’ve written about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and I’ve been reflecting on how often people—friends, family, even professionals—ask the same questions. Not out of ignorance, but from a place of confusion, concern, or curiosity.

So here’s a gentle guide to the most frequent questions I hear, shaped with clarity and care.

What is FND?

FND stands for Functional Neurological Disorder. It’s a condition where the brain struggles to send and receive signals properly, even though scans and tests show no structural damage. Think of it as a software glitch in the brain’s communication system—not a hardware fault.

Is FND a real medical condition?

Yes. FND is recognised by neurologists and listed in medical classification systems like the ICD-10. It’s not imagined, exaggerated, or “just stress”—though outdated views sometimes make it feel that way.

What symptoms can FND cause?

Symptoms vary widely. Some people experience:

• Functional seizures (non-epileptic)
• Limb weakness or paralysis
• Tremors, spasms, or gait changes
• Speech or vision difficulties
• Fatigue, pain, and cognitive fog

These symptoms are real, distressing, and often fluctuate.

How is FND diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on specific clinical features that specialists recognise as typical of FND. It’s not just a process of ruling everything else out. A skilled neurologist can often spot FND through movement patterns, reflexes, or seizure characteristics.

What causes FND?

There’s no single cause. It may involve:

• Stress or trauma
• Physical illness or injury
• The brain’s response to inflammation or overload

Importantly, FND is not a psychological disorder, though emotional factors can influence symptoms.

Can FND be treated or cured?

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure, but many people improve with:

• Physiotherapy tailored to FND
• Psychological support (like CBT or trauma-informed therapy)
• Medication for co-occurring symptoms (pain, anxiety, etc.)

Recovery is often non-linear. Pacing, adaptation, and support matter deeply.

What helps when people don’t believe me?

This is one of the hardest parts. FND can be invisible, misunderstood, or dismissed. Advocacy groups like FND Hope and FND Action offer resources to help explain the condition. Peer support can be a lifeline.

If you’re navigating disbelief, know this: your experience is valid. You are not alone.

Why am I writing this?

Because clarity is care. Because I’ve lived through the questions, the confusion, the quiet grief of being misunderstood. And because every time someone asks “What is FND?” with genuine curiosity, it opens a door.