Functional Neurological Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diagnosis
- David George
- Apr 25
- 6 min read
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 (Feinstein, 2018).
Sensory Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation, often in specific areas like the limbs. Transient sensory changes, such as those described in a case where a patient experienced numbness in the legs and arm, are typical (Espay et al., 2018).
Cognitive and Speech Issues: Memory difficulties, concentration problems, or speech impairments, such as stuttering or slurred speech.
Seizure-Like Episodes: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), which resemble epileptic seizures but lack EEG abnormalities (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 (Stone & Carson, 2020).
Psychological Factors: Stress, trauma, or emotional distress can precede symptom onset, though FND is not simply a psychological condition. For instance, a patient in one study developed symptoms after a significant stressor, but intentional symptom production was ruled out (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 (Stone & Carson, 2020).
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 requires a comprehensive neurologic workup to rule out other potential causes for symptoms (Espay et al., 2018).
Ruling Out Other Conditions: Tests like MRI, EEG, or blood work are used to exclude structural or metabolic causes. For example, a patient with leg paralysis but normal MRI results may point to FND (Stone & Carson, 2020).
DSM-5 Criteria: The DSM-5 classifies FND under somatic symptom and related disorders, requiring symptoms that are not better explained by another medical or psychiatric condition and cause significant distress or impairment (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).
Misdiagnosis is common, as FND is often mistaken for malingering or other neurological disorders. At Neuregen, our specialists use evidence-based diagnostic tools to provide accurate diagnoses, helping patients in Scottsdale and Phoenix avoid unnecessary tests or delays in care.
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 (Stone & Carson, 2020).
Psychological Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions help address stress, trauma, or maladaptive thought patterns. Studies show CBT can reduce symptom severity in FND (Perez & LaFrance, 2016).
Psychiatric Care: For patients with co-occurring anxiety, depression, or PNES, medications or therapy may be recommended. Group therapy for PNES has also shown promise (Barry et al., 2008).
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 affects approximately 22 per 100,000 people annually, with higher rates in neurology clinics, where up to one-third of patients have medically unexplained symptoms (Espay et al., 2018).
Demographics: It can affect any age or gender but is more common in women and younger adults (Stone & Carson, 2020).
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 cutting-edge 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 specialists use advanced tools to distinguish FND from other conditions, ensuring accurate and timely diagnoses.
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.
Neuregen is a leading FND treatment center in Scottsdale, Arizona, dedicated to helping patients regain control of their lives. Our state-of-the-art facility offers:
Multidisciplinary Approach: FND is a multi-faceted conditions 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.).
Barry, J. J., Wittenberg, D., Bullock, K. D., & Michaels, J. B. (2008). Group therapy for patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A pilot study. Epilepsy & Behavior, 13(4), 624–629.
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. American Journal of Psychiatry, 175(3), 290–305.
Feinstein, A. (2018). Conversion disorder: Advances in our understanding. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 190(22), E669–E670.
Perez, D. L., & LaFrance, W. C., Jr. (2016). Nonepileptic seizures: An updated review. CNS Spectrums, 21(3), 239–246.
Stone, J., & Carson, A. (2020). Functional neurological disorders: Time to leave the “psychogenic” behind. Practical Neurology, 20(2), 98–102.
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