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Functional Neurological Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diagnosis

David George ·

Updated

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a complex condition characterized by neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by a traditional neurological disease. At Neuregen in Scottsdale, Arizona, we specialize in diagnosing and treating FND, offering hope and personalized care to patients in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area. This article explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for FND, drawing from current research and clinical insights to provide a comprehensive overview.


Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) causes neurological symptoms like weakness or seizures without structural brain damage, often linked to altered brain network connectivity.

Functional Neurological Disorder Symptoms

FND presents with a wide range of symptoms that affect voluntary motor, sensory, or cognitive functions. Common symptoms include:

  • Motor Symptoms: Weakness, paralysis, tremors, dystonia (abnormal muscle contractions), or gait difficulties. For example, patients may experience leg weakness that impairs walking but shows no structural damage on imaging (Espay et al., 2018).

  • Sensory Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation, often in specific areas like the limbs. Sensory changes should be assessed in their clinical context (Espay et al., 2018).

  • Cognitive and Speech Issues: Memory difficulties, concentration problems, or speech impairments, such as stuttering or slurred speech.

  • Seizure-Like Episodes: Functional seizures, also called psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), can resemble epileptic seizures. Diagnosis requires clinical assessment; a normal routine EEG alone does not establish functional seizures (Perez & LaFrance, 2016).

These symptoms are real and distressing, often fluctuating in severity. They may be triggered or worsened by stress, though not all patients identify a clear stressor (Espay et al., 2018). At Neuregen, we recognize the impact of these symptoms on daily life and tailor our approach to address each patient’s unique presentation.

Functional Neurological Disorder Causes

The exact causes of FND are not fully understood, but research suggests a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Key contributors include:

  • Neurological Dysfunction: FND is thought to arise from altered brain network functioning, particularly in areas controlling movement and sensation. Neuroimaging studies show abnormal connectivity in the prefrontal cortex and motor regions (Espay et al., 2018).

  • Psychological Factors: Stress, trauma, or emotional distress can precede symptom onset, though FND is not simply a psychological condition. A psychological stressor is not required for diagnosis (Espay et al., 2018).

  • Predisposing Factors: A history of neurological conditions, chronic pain, or mental health disorders like anxiety or depression may increase risk. However, FND can occur in individuals without these conditions (Espay et al., 2018).

  • Social and Environmental Triggers: Life events, such as job loss or relationship issues, may act as triggers, though they are not the sole cause (Perez & LaFrance, 2016).

Unlike traditional neurological diseases, FND symptoms are not caused by structural brain damage, making diagnosis and treatment unique. At Neuregen, our team investigates these multifaceted causes to develop comprehensive treatment plans.

Functional Neurological Disorder Diagnosis

Diagnosing FND requires a careful, multidisciplinary approach, as symptoms often mimic other neurological conditions. The process includes:

  • Clinical Assessment: FND is diagnosed using positive clinical signs, such as internal inconsistency on examination, together with a neurological assessment (Espay et al., 2018).

  • Ruling Out Other Conditions: MRI, EEG, or other tests may be used when clinically indicated to assess alternative or coexisting conditions. Normal tests alone do not establish FND.

  • DSM-5 Criteria: The DSM-5 classifies FND under somatic symptom and related disorders, requiring clinical evidence of incompatibility with recognized neurological disease, symptoms not better explained by another medical or psychiatric condition, and significant distress, impairment, or a need for medical evaluation (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

  • Multidisciplinary Evaluation: Collaboration between neurologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists ensures a thorough diagnosis, addressing both neurological and psychological aspects (Perez & LaFrance, 2016).

FND symptoms are genuine and should not be dismissed as malingering. Diagnosis and follow-up should also consider other or coexisting neurological conditions, particularly if new symptoms develop.

Functional Neurological Disorder Treatment in Scottsdale, AZ

Effective treatment for FND requires an integrated, patient-centered approach. At Neuregen, we offer the following evidence-based treatments:

  • Education and Communication: Explaining the diagnosis clearly is critical. Patients often feel validated when they understand their symptoms are real and treatable, not “all in their head” (Espay et al., 2018). We prioritize open communication to build trust.

  • Physical and Occupational Therapy: Tailored exercises can improve motor function and reduce symptoms like weakness or tremors. For example, physical therapy focusing on gait retraining has shown success (Espay et al., 2018).

  • Psychological Therapies: Psychological treatment may be appropriate for functional seizures and co-occurring mental health concerns. Evidence and treatment goals depend on the individual presentation; no single therapy guarantees symptom resolution (Perez & LaFrance, 2016).

  • Psychiatric Care: Medication or psychological therapy may be considered for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression. Medication for a co-occurring condition is not the same as an established drug treatment for FND.

  • Multidisciplinary Coordination: Neurologists, psychologists, and therapists collaborate to address all aspects of the condition, improving outcomes (Espay et al., 2018).

At Neuregen, our treatment plans are individualized, focusing on restoring function and improving quality of life for patients in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area.


Functional Neurological Disorder Fact Sheet

  • Prevalence: FND is encountered in neurological practice. Estimates vary by the symptoms studied and the population; medically unexplained symptoms as a group should not be equated with diagnosed FND (Espay et al., 2018).

  • Demographics: It can affect any age or gender but is more common in women and younger adults (Espay et al., 2018).

  • Impact: Symptoms can be disabling, affecting work, relationships, and daily activities. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.

  • Misconceptions: FND is not caused by “faking” or intentional symptom production, despite historical misunderstandings (Perez & LaFrance, 2016).

  • Prognosis: With appropriate treatment, many patients experience significant improvement, though recovery varies (Espay et al., 2018).


Neuregen is committed to raising awareness about FND and providing individualized care to our community in Scottsdale and Phoenix.


Functional Neurological Disorder Specialist Near Scottsdale and Phoenix Arizona

Finding a specialist who understands FND is crucial for effective treatment. At Neuregen in Scottsdale, our multidisciplinary approach harnesses the latest FND diagnostic and treatment protocols. We serve patients across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and surrounding areas, offering:


  • Expert Diagnosis: Our clinicians assess symptoms and consider alternative or coexisting conditions.

  • Comprehensive Care: From physical therapy to psychological support, we provide holistic treatment plans tailored to each patient.

  • Convenient Location: Located in Scottsdale, Neuregen is easily accessible for residents of Phoenix and nearby communities.

If you or a loved one is experiencing unexplained neurological symptoms, contact Neuregen to schedule a consultation with our FND specialists.

Functional Neurological Disorder Treatment Center

Neuregen is an FND treatment center in Scottsdale, Arizona, dedicated to helping patients regain control of their lives. Our approach includes:

  • Multidisciplinary Approach: FND is a multifaceted condition and as such, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of FND is critical.

  • Personalized Treatment Plans: We design individualized programs based on each patient’s symptoms, goals, and medical history.

  • Ongoing Support: From diagnosis to recovery, we support patients with follow-up care and resources to manage FND long-term.

As a trusted treatment center near Phoenix, Neuregen is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care. Contact us today to learn how we can help you or your loved one manage FND.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).

Espay, A. J., Aybek, S., Carson, A., Edwards, M. J., Goldstein, L. H., Hallett, M., LaFaver, K., LaFrance, W. C., Jr, Lang, A. E., Nicholson, T., Nielsen, G., Reuber, M., Voon, V., Stone, J., & Morgante, F. (2018). Current concepts in diagnosis and treatment of functional neurological disorders. JAMA Neurology, 75(9), 1132–1141. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2018.1264.

Perez, D. L., & LaFrance, W. C., Jr. (2016). Nonepileptic seizures: An updated review. CNS Spectrums, 21(3), 239–246.