Let's Learn Series: Let's Learn about FND with Tom Plender

“Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body send and receive signals.” -FND Hope International
The many symptoms of FND can cause impairment in quality of life that is similar to and in some aspects worse than other neurological conditions like Parkinson’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis. FND occupies a grey area between psychiatry and neurology that historically has failed to gain the interest of researchers and clinicians.
Approximately 1/3 of outpatient neurology clinic attendances are patients reporting functional symptoms. Despite the prevalence of Functional Neurological Disorder, the exact cause of FND is unknown.
The Women’s Brain Project had the honour and pleasure of interviewing Tom Plender, a WBP supporter, musician, artist and FND Campaigner living with FND for WBP Let’s Learn Series. He shared not only his own experiences but also some of the history of this diagnosis and the stigma that still surrounds it even today.
Read this interview on our blog: www.womensbrainproject.com/20...
Please consider donating to WBP: www.womensbrainproject.com/do...

[@allisondye]

It's people like Tom Plender who give me hope for a brighter future for those of us living with FND. Thank you always for all that you do.

[@tomplender1378]

thank you Allison🙏 your kind words are very much appreciated

[@jeanifenton4899]

Brilliant Tom Plender, thankyou for speaking out for FND patients and for women

[@tomplender1378]

thank you 🙏🙂

[@shanewinks1908]

Thanks Tom, I am only on the beginning of my Journey, And yes, I have found that many doors have shut on me, that is probably one of my biggest things that upsets me the most. I was told by the hospital that my GP would take over my case. Unfortunately, he had never heard of FND. I have a really good Physio, Krystle and with her help I have got a team together to help me along my path to recovery. I like what you said in your video, the biggest thing I have got out of it is "Never give up." Cheers.

[@Kerrylovesmusic]

Thank you for sharing your story. My FND diagnosis has been a strange journey, it’s always good to know we aren’t alone ❤

[@tomplender1378]

thanks Kerry🙏 glad you found it helpful

[@angeladegomez8134]

THANK YOU FOR the excellent talk. A sufferer of a painful,few years I I Do wish to raise awareness (fellow musician ) clinging on to Faith Hope & Love )

[@RachelTara1111]

Thank you, Tom. I appreciate all you are doing 🙏

[@tomplender1378]

thank you Rachel🙏

[@stellaancimer8505]

Thank you for this video..i think we should talk more about nutrition and food corelation with this disorder, because it is huge. All the Best

[@ambika3457]

Thank you, learned a lot through this video 😊

[@tomplender1378]

really glad you found it helpful, best wishes🙏

[@ingritamoreno]

Hi there! This is a very interesting video. Thank you. Has anybody here with FND experienced stiffness on their lower back that make their legs very week? Thank you in advance ❤

[@rohinihyde4766]

My FND symptoms began a few weeks after my first and only AZ covid vax. I feel very strongly that there might be a connection but this is not an answer I am ever going to get from the doctors seeing how protected these jabs are. Thank you for a very informative video.