What Causes Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?

In this episode of I CARE FOR YOUR BRAIN with Dr. Sullivan, board certified neuropsychologist Dr. Karen D. Sullivan discusses Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), causes, answers and treatment. Learn more at www.icfyb.com, www.neurosymptoms.org, www.fndhope.org or www.fndaction.org.uk

[@susanmann5286]

I am so worn out with professionals asking me, "What is Functional Neurological Disorder" is. This puts me in a position to educate them, while they basically stare at me, in disbelief.

[@ana_tibs007]

Right? I completely understand. I was diagnosed two years ago and I’ve thankfully had some very well educated doctors and a short diagnosis period, but I have heard so many stories about people with diagnosis horror stories. I usually have to deal with it with teachers, as I’m still in high school. It’s so difficult to get my teachers to understand my disorder and listen to my accommodations, since they are not just physical or cognitive, but also sensory and psychiatric.

[@BlessedOne686]

💯💯💯💯

[@shinebrightjamaica]

Yep, happened to me.. GP looked at me as if I had 3 head as I went through my 18-22 symptoms. I really felt like I was wasting my time after the first two..😞

[@centralfloridasfavoriterea8459]

What are ways you treat this. My daughter just started this salt 28 she’s an occupational therapist and have speech tremors body tremors and tics it’s very sad to watch. Please advise

[@shinebrightjamaica]

@@centralfloridasfavoriterea8459 Not doing too much is key, mental and physical exhaustion aggrevates symptoms. This is all new so still trying to figure things out.

[@MorgueInTheVoid]

Oh my God I knew it..... you have no idea how good it feels to hear someone explain EXACTLY what I've been trying to explain to everyone who never believed me.

[@PeasLivesMatterGivePeasaChance]

Same here over 30 35 years I’m only early 40s I knew I was 14:35 broken already 😢

[@jewelsjewels7472]

Yes torn from medical trauma from every specialist in your life. Including dentist who doesn’t want to work on my daughter due to FND and too many disabilities

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

Validation means so much!

[@MorgueInTheVoid]

​@@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103I always had a feeling it was due to complex trauma. I could tell my brain was changing but doctors couldn't see it on MRI's. My brain was so damaged from the fear I lived in on a day to day basis, that my body shut down because I was unable to make decisions confidently so I was stuck in freeze response to the point where it paralyzed me. I'm only 26.. I've been this way for a few years now. It's like my body said "I can't do anything wrong if I don't do anything at all." And my brain has no way of convincing it otherwise... it's so painful when no one believe me...

[@michaelacurran-cox528]

I am one of the neuroscience nurse specialists for the Brain and Spine Foundation in the UK. We get calls for emotional support and a need for understanding. Thank you for sharing this valuable information as there is very little support or resources for FND in the community. However things are slowly improving

[@faebalina7786]

My friend has just been diagnosed is there any support she can get with recovery ?

[@stuartburns8657]

​@@faebalina7786Unless you live near London, the NHS post code lottery won't be too helpful. My daughter got diagnosed with it about 15 months ago. A healthy intelligent girl, who regularly did rock climbing / kayaking etc. Went to bed one night feeling ill. Next morning could barely walk, and got progressively worse from there

[@lisajones6334]

I was diagnosed yesterday with FND, which was actually a huge relief - the validation of my symptoms and that it is not early onset dementia (I’m 53, with a strong family history of dementia on both sides). My Neurologist encouraged me to educate myself but I am still in need of a treatment plan. Interestingly, besides having cPTSD, I have hEDS, another poorly understood, diagnosed & treated condition. In the little research I’ve done, I found that there is a correlation of 3 out of every 5 patients with FND also having hEDS. This suggests that the problem pertains to more than a mind & brain, but also has a body wide aspect, possibly pertaining to neurons & connective tissue. I would appreciate a further discussion exploring this. Thank you for your mind saving channel & podcasts. I’m very grateful for the work you do.

[@weedandwildflowers]

Hi. I was just diagnosed 2 days ago with FND. I've had it bad for the last 10 years. She could have made this video to tell my story because everything in there was one-hundred-percent what I've gone through especially the being misunderstood and mistreated by the medical community. And interestingly I had suspected I had heds and was assessed but she decided I was just off of the spectrum for that but thought there might be something that exists that's just below that. So it's interesting what you're saying about the correlation between the two.

[@theangrytiredzebra]

Hello fellow zebra. I fought this diansosis so hard. I don't want this. This is hell 😭😭😭😭

[@sarahdawson7985]

I was diagnosed last week and I also have M.E, hEDS or hyper mobility spectrum disorder. Adhd. I too have to educate myself and have 3 websites to look at but nothing to support me meantime and more worryingly for me due to recent hospitalisations, I have nothing to prove to nhs staff that my condition is something that they need to consider when treating me.. and or leaving me in a wheelchair for 7.5 hrs in A n E with a ‘migrain’

[@jenniferbooth93]

I also was recently diagnosed with FND. I also have hEDS, HaT, common variable immunodeficiency, Mast cell activation. Couldn’t some of these interact or cause neurological problems? Still trying to understand FND.

[@tomsale5142]

I have heds the causation.is autism even Dr beard who named it neurosthenia had autism found out after 28 years CFS pot fybromyalgia mine started after a fall just lost my mum to severe ms heds autism my father has ADHD epilepsy and had CFS so

[@user-li8jo7rk8j]

Hi. I have been in hospital for two months and been diagnosed with FND. I had a black out and fell down the stairs and was unconcious for 1.45 hours. I have lost use of my right leg and right arm, my arm is now ok. However my leg is not, i am in a wheel chair. I have had every scan going and nothing found. Then i saw a doctor who done one test on me and said i have FND. He asked me about past trauma and took mind of my leg by moving my left one and it moved with it, soon as i try to move it myself by thinking i cant. Watching this video has really helped me and has actually convinced my family i am not making it up. Thank you so much for explaining it in the best way i have heard. I will be watching you alot now. I am Dean Moore from Wales (Tom Jones Country) in the UK

[@amg92003]

Thank you soo much for sharing this. I've been needing this for 6 years. Everything you said is all soo true. Dr's run all the tests to rule everything else out, then they just call it fibromyalgia or dysfunctional system, and then you're on your own with the unknown, and your life consists of research . I'm soo glad to have subscribed to you and to find this video today.. I wish you were my Dr. Your rhe best.

[@CritRedesign]

I was diagnosed in 2014 with pseudoseizures, then non-epileptic attack disorder (NEADS) then Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) which is from my understanding, the same diagnosis just with updated terms / names for the condition. Your points from the 8 minute part onwards hit hard. Thank you for your words and the respect you have shown for myself and people like me in such a refreshing way. I've saved this video so I can show those people in my life that can explain me better than I feel I sometimes can.

[@hotdogflavoureddrink]

Got finally diagnosed after a miserable few years. This video was amazing, I for once am excited about life again!

[@Jayskiallthewayski]

No trauma here, just a burnout. Was misdiagnosed for 3 years, hospital in an out, disbelieve, relationships ended, it's been hell. And I'm one of the "lucky" ones, my FND comes in cycles, in between I feel great but when I get an attack, not so much.

[@brucemjson]

Two and a half years with FND debilitating symptoms! All tests been normal yet I've not been having a good time. My symptoms started after a neck choke, thank you for this video ❤ keep fighting and pushing x

[@Bella_G33]

Same I have just been diagnosed with FND after a neck choke/strangulation & injuries to the back of my neck.You’re the first person I have seen so far that also developed FND from a neck choke. 😢 it’s still fresh , symptoms are very debilitating I haven’t been able to walk in a week it’s scary.

[@alyson.wonderland]

Omg… thank you for making this video. I was just diagnosed yesterday and I am blown away. I was diagnosed with somatization disorder in the ER when I went which infuriated me. I also have BPD, CPTSD, ADHD, an ED and a lot of physical pain. All of the symptoms started after my concussion in January.

[@TM_VI]

I also got it bad after a fall on my head. Could have caused inflammation and psychological stress sustains that, partially. What helped for me was Q10, linseed oil, and some other things like eye tracking exercises. Cry, or sleep when you have to, that also relieves. Your brain is literally inflamed.

[@keshavyoganathan832]

@alysonbye944 hope you are receiving or able to access forms of help and treatment that will assist, and hopefully help recovery overall. Very sorry that you are suffering FND. I have_had a long history with it, and would be open to listening, learning, hearing yours and others experiences and insights, continuing discussion if you ever felt as well. Take care

[@user-gm4qt7ks2m]

I also have hEDS, but my trigger is CRPS type II (the presence of nerve damage). My tremors & subsequent myoclonus started 6-8 months after getting CRPS (post bunion surgery & nerve damage from tight cast, which the ER refused to remove due to crushing pain and blue toes). I have also considered that my myoclonus and tremors were caused by antidepressants they gave me as part of my pain med 'cocktail' for CRPS pain since there was a correlation between starting them and the start of those symptoms. First I was told I had "conversion disorder," & I saw 3 psychiatrists which ALL said "NO CD." If it was CD (psych), then I wanted to take care of the psych issue. However, going through CBT, PT, med regimen (total 38 different meds), ketamine infusions, HBOT, and of course therapy, they have not resolved. I think they think it's psych because the sx are intermittent. However, I also have other comorbidities (central sensitization w/ allodynia & hyperesthesia, dysautonomia, POTS, MCAS, arrhythmias, anxiety/depression) from CRPS, which MDs either don't understand or contribute to CRPS....thus, 'it's in your head' &/or 'it's in your brain.' Either way, no one can rule out or diagnose anything and there is no treatment, much less cure. But for CRPS, I would not have these symptoms! My MDs always elude the fact that I have ongoing CRPS. My CRPS is NOT in "remission" and still meets (after 7 yrs) Budapest Criteria! So to be now given a FND (from CD) and thus I DO have a known neurological condition, which is ignored. Dr Sullivan, I am open to your knowledge of patients with CRPS & FND. Thank you.

[@jenniferbooth93]

Would also like to know this. Am suffering with MCAS, HaT, hEDS, and common variable immunodeficiency.

[@tomsale5142]

I have most of your diagnosis decades have you been checked for autism.thud us route cause nervous system.goes haywire after any injuries etc causes mcas the hers is part of ADHD autism mine started 1997 at 17 after a fall.

[@regward8234]

THANK YOU! An exceptionally clear, comprehensive, and yet concise, explanation of FND - a little understood and therefore elusive of diagnosis condition. In months of investigation to "label" my symptoms,, this is the best snapshot of FND I have encountered: bravo!

[@helenogilvie7465]

I started to have jerking movements, spasms and blackouts. They got so bad that I had to be admitted to hospital. I had various tests and then a neurologist said I have FND. When I was due to be discharged she asked are you concerned about anything before you go home. I told her I was really worried that I'll get all the symptoms again. She said, well you only have 1 year to live and don't call an ambulance 😮. Shock horror. The charge nurse came over when she left and said just ignore those remarks. Talk about being worried when I was discharged😢. My sister had to assure me she's talking nonsense

[@keshavyoganathan832]

Thank you for this video. It is rare to come across well informed, experienced and compassionate concise information regarding FND. I first suffered FND, conversion disorder when I was 16. Severe jerking, tremors through head and left limbs. The initial 'bout' lasted almost 2 years until the movements simmered down gradually over that time period...from jerking to tremor to no movement. I had 4 'relapses' over an 8 year period in which the severe jerking returned, and would last anywhere between 6 to 10months. 21 odd years later I have had to confront a lot regarding my childhood and lifetime of mental health disorders. Currently diagnosed with CPTSD (im a victim of reptitive sexual abuse, grooming, normalised, incest from ages 5 to 15), MDD, ADHD, chronic pain and others. I still suffer from physical symptoms that I experienced during more severe periods of FND, e.g. muscle weakness, feeling loss or detatched from limbs, slight tremors...however I have no idea how much other variables such as my various disorders, mental health issues, living circumstances, development, stress etc compund on these FND like symptoms. I am not sure if the FND still persists after all these decades but manifests differently? Anyway thank you again for this video. Solidarity and sorry for anyone suffering or who has suffered FND. Hope there is more FND education, awareness, research, treatment etc in time

[@sarahcomeau7234]

Thank you so much i was diagnosed in july i spent 19 days in the hospital thought i was dying i end up being bed bound . Hospitals is a trigger of mine so being there was making me worse worse they ruled out everything else and said i have conversion disorder from too uch anxiety taking over my body . I was angry lol because to me it sounded like its all in your head. I decided to find videos so i can understand what is happening to me found you so thank you for caring. Been in therapy a long time for cptsd so i can see it make sense but its terrifying.

[@LifeLessonsWithSheila]

Thank you for this video!! I went into the hospital 2 years ago with Covid Pnemonia. During my time I was intubated, my heart stopped, and was in Icu. 2 years later I still have left hand tremors, weakness in my left leg and walk assisted with a walker. And.. developed seizure disorder following treatment. While I know that's a lot, it happened after my husband had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer with mets to his brain. So there was trauma before I got sick with Covid. Just knowing a name for what I think I have been dealing with gives me hope!

[@sandyedwards2681]

The fear of “making it worse” is a real factor. And without acknowledgment from professionals about the condition, feeling misunderstood causes frustration and isolation that exacerbate the fear. Good to hear this discussion! It IS possible to have no early life trauma and still end up with this condition. The condition can come about from a severe precipitating event (physical and emotional) that occurs late in life, if traumatic enough. And there are some otherwise healthy people have survived unexpected and even unconscionable things as adults. Twitches, spasms, tingling, numbness and similar real bodily experiences are distracting and directly interfere with focus on regular tasks. Add to that, frustration and self-consciousness and cognition is certainly affected.

[@Lillymae-gq4oe]

Really glad I’ve found this. I suffered a very traumatic experience some years ago from a waterskiing accident. It left me with partial paralysis for along time. I have extensive sciatic nerve damage and a prolapse disc. My mental health has become quite poor over the years and I’ve developed fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis and arthritis. I’m having days where my body shuts down with fibro symptoms, and my body will literally shake like I’m having a epileptic seizure. I don’t have epilepsy or ms, however my ability to walk properly, my speech is unrecognisable at times, and certain parts of my body will either spasm or I have uncontrollable shaking. I’ve addressed these symptoms to my doctor, which he’s got me to have a CT scan, with no foreseeable cause as to why I have these debilitating symptoms. I’ve noticed when I’ve have periods of stress and high levels of anxiety my functioning of movement is crippling and my mind just shuts down. It feels like I’m experiencing, too much information overload and my brain ceases to function. I need help to walk during these difficult moments and my body feels like it’s not willing to work for me. I was sexually assaulted 13 years ago, and all my symptoms have gotten progressively worse. I haven’t seen a neurologist yet, I’ve only just stumbled across this video, so a lot, if not all of what you’ve just said resonates with how I feel and experiencing. Thank you for sharing this. I’ll be looking into being assessed for FND.

[@stephaniekiernan1633]

Im so sorry to hear what happened to you . Sounds awful xx

[@tomsale5142]

Do you have heds

[@user-ls2jf4sl2p]

Always so insightful and presented with such warmth. I have ET and CD. Have had ET as long as I can remember and CD developed about 8 years ago - I'm 52. Tried botox for the CD and got a VERY sore neck. No meds work, tried Propranolol (20-90mg per day and Primidone (helped a little but was so wasted I couldn't function) . Am a bit over it all but your info inspires me to look deeper and elsewhere for relief. Thank you Dr Karen for all that you do. So grateful.

[@AnneAlready]

30 years of CFS and fibromyalgia here. I know you're correct on this. Thank you Dr Sullivan for you careful attention to your patients. x

[@JeanneCFolks]

This is EXCELLENT! So clear and useful/accessible to clients/patients as well as clinicians.

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

Thank you so much Jeanne! I really enjoyed learning more about FND and researching this lecture.

[@annemarie3140]

I was diagnosed with FND right after my diagnosis for long covid. Here's the order of things that happened: First, I had a bad year anxiety wise bc I went off my meds (I'm all anxiety, not depression). Then a best friend from childhood had a medically assisted death after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Then I got Covid (which was just an upper respiratory "cold" for a week. THEN...the thing that pushed me off the edge...long covid. I got massive vertigo, and was bedridden for a week and a half. When that was over, I got horrible nerve pain in all my limbs (from bicep to fingers and thigh to toes) This nerve pain was strong electric shock sensations, pins and needles, and burning. That drove me nuts and my anxiety sky high. I got put back on anxiety meds, and take Lyrica for the nerve pain which WORKS. 98% of my nerve pain is gone. BUT, when my anxiety gets a little out of control, my nerve pain fires back despite the meds. When I get a handle on my anxiety attack, my nerve pain goes back to being managed. There truly is a brain-body connection. I DID get long covid, but the bad year I had before that mentally definitely left me as a sitting duck for FND.

[@leahr9489]

I cannot say thank you enough for this video! I have just been diagnosed this last month with FND and was left completely confused and with no understanding and just being left with no direction and no real explanation. After speaking with a nurse practitioner for my neurologist I was just told there is nothing to be done. I contacted next my internal medicine doctor as he wanted to see me after the neurology findings. Now I’m told he won’t see me and it is not necessary to see me for another 6 months. I said I thought he wanted a complete neuro work up and they said it was done and now I’m supposed to see him. And she just repeated 6 months. And my family physician doesn’t know what it is. So I’ve started searching online to understand as I was just told from neurology they don’t have anything more for me. Needless to say having seizures, becoming paralyzed, not able to walk, not able to lift my head and having my eyes just close and not open for hours and being told nothing has been terrifying. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this video. How much I feel like I have a direction and know how to get help and where to go. Thank you so much for this explanation and kindness. I’m beyond grateful. As I’ve been completely lost and confused and have felt I have nowhere to go and have been left wondering what does everyone mean? They are just leaving me like this. So thank you! So much.

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

Hi Leah, I am so sorry this is happening to you. Please watch my podcast with Lorraine who lives with FND. Her wisdom will help you! Advocate for a health psychologist please who has expertise in FND. Start at psychologytoday.com. Clarity of your diagnosis is an excellent start to healing!

[@RunPJs]

I'm in the UK and my Doctor text me the link to the neurosymptoms website created by Professor Stone. When I saw the Neurologist in Scotland he said he was very fortunate to actually work with Prof Stone. Basically though...he couldn't tell me anything I didn't already know. I had already studied fnd, anxiety, chronic pain etc etc....and was in counselling, doing yoga, meditation and generally taking better care of myself. All these things relieved my symptoms. Was also reinforcing those networks when I noticed issues and did lots of swimming that seemed to completely make my symptoms disappear. FND is such a complex and frightening condition but I've learned it's important to have faith and trust the process.

[@stuartburns8657]

Did you ever suffer from the fatigue that comes with Fnd? My daughter has Fnd, and whilst she's made massive recovery steps, it's now the fatigue which is the real barrier to a more normal life

[@RunPJs]

@stuartburns8657 I had all kinds of weird problems and had short spells of fatigue during my ironman training. The fatigue was due to FND or a traumat related 'freeze' response and was usually only for up to a week. Had several spells of it. I have less energy than I had before but I can work fine and still do some triathlon training but I've had to cut everything down. I am recovering a lot and I no longer get those short spells of fatigue and I tend to only have 1 symptom left which is the chronic pain

[@stuartburns8657]

@@RunPJs Appreciate you finding a moment to respond. My daughter had a catalog of issues, but with misc CBT / neurophysiology rehab she's 'better' It's the fatigue that's the really frustrating element for her and us. She'll be 18 in the summer, and she's barely able to last 4 hours in college (16 hours a week course) When she gets home, enough energy to eat and she's pretty much straight off in her room to relax / have an early night.

[@stuartburns8657]

@@RunPJs Hope things work out. We have been looking at a vagus nerve stimulation devices, in the Hope it might help with the tiredness. Perhaps look at that for the pain?

[@RunPJs]

@stuartburns8657 that's way too young for this awful condition. I'm sorry to hear that! Yes I've really learned a lot about the ANS and also the limbic system, particularly the amigdula. My pain started on my tongue 2 years ago at 50, and moved all around my mouth and now has moved to my cheeks. It's not as bad as it was...what helps is doing everything I can to stimulate my parasympathetic nervous system. Things like meditation, body scan, breathing exercises, swimming gives me 100% relief and yoga etc. That's how I provide myself with ANS stimulation. As well as not working as hard and getting so anxious about stuff. Spending time outdoors is good too. I hope she recovers...I hope she can find some gentle steps to try to recover 🙏

[@allisonyoung8121]

100% agree with everything you have said! I too have been diagnosed with FND and knowing me as well as I do mine has been brought on by numerous traumas and I know my triggers. I have a Pain Management Team and they were blown away with my understanding of the pain I suffer on a daily basis. Two years ago suffering my last traumatic event I was diagnosed with an auto immune disease; Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 55, no history in family. You have just confirmed my personal thoughts including the realities of my symptoms. Thank you so much! Yours from England x

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

I am so pleased it was helpful!

[@stuartburns8657]

What I've come to realise is that it's the chronic fatigue that comes with Fnd is the real impediment to a more normal life. Many / most do eventually learn of manage their symptoms, but the fatigue means they can typically only do a quarter of their former normal activities. They can push it beyond that, but it leads to a boom and bust cycle

[@user-gm4qt7ks2m]

Dr Sullivan, I am open to your knowledge of patients with CRPS & FND. Thank you.

[@lovelyliz393]

This is so refreshing to see a medical professional validate FND. Thank you! I was diagnosed over a year ago and have a multitude of symptoms. I did get a second opinion today and he thinks it is FND as well. He is ordering a brain MRI, lumbar puncture, and blood tests to rule anything else out. Was wondering if you take tele-med patients? I'm looking for treatment and it's definitely hard to find with FND. Thanks! :)

[@cathaloomis7750]

This video has given me a ton of useful information. I was only recently diagnosed with FND and am beginning the process of learning and treatment. Thank you!

[@LINERIC44]

Distracting...like tinnitus. I hope research finds a way to fix this upsetting condition too.

[@divineintervention101]

Thank you so much for making this video. I have been through everything you said. It really hit hard. I have my 3rd brain MRI next month to rule out MS and they are pointing towards FND. Its really nice to feel validated. I did switch drs because the one only focused on the psychological aspect because I was emotional during my assessment. But I appreciate your advise on what to say to drs in my first appts going forward. Thank you again

[@Bella_G33]

I have just been diagnosed with FND after a SA neck injury. I had the neurologist tell me I am manifesting my symptoms & go to see a psychiatrist & discharged me ! A few days later I couldn’t walk I went to the Physio & she rushed me into the ER. I am in so much pain in my back & hips . They drugged me up & sent me home . It’s been a week I still can’t walk. I got a phone call from the Physio saying the hospital diagnosed me with FND. They never told me ! I am so upset I’ve been left without information & what to do next . I still can’t walk & the pain is excruciating atm. There’s no plan for me the hospital failed me .

[@dezaraepringle4805]

I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago, and honestly made me feel like I was crazy. I have been telling Dr's and neurologists that some thing is wrong for a few years, and that my tremors, and seizure like symptoms were NOT cause from my normal migraines (had since I was 3). But was told everything from yoir faking knock it off, to are you seeing a counselor, and even given the suicide hot line 🙄 after diagnosis I dropped like a hot plate. I'm now advocating for my self.

[@theangrytiredzebra]

Have you looked into Ehlers Danlos syndrome?

[@citlalie9791]

Alot of us have autism

[@tomsale5142]

​@@citlalie9791yeah and not no until decades for me 27 years CFS pots now fybromyalgia diagnosed now heds autism ADHD albeit had to push to get diagnosed.just list my mum to severe ms autism heds my grandfather had simple life had no pain apart from detached retina slipped disc.and Parkinson's at 75 all heds autism caused

[@tomsale5142]

​@@citlalie9791so true albeit lot of us undiagnosed.after decades if chronic symptoms labeled fnd fybromyalgia CFS pots pelvic pain seams they don't want us to no.sins now diagnosed 13

[@junebartl1421]

Thank you so much! Your video is so informative. After a number of years of balance and mobility issues, and much pushing the medical professionals I received my diagnosis last year (Aus 23). In giving me the diagnose, I was simultaneously given a website address so that I could find out more about the condition..... Whilst relieved at last to be given a diagnosis I felt rather let down at having to do my own research. In time I received the written diagnosis, with recommendations for physio and physcology referrals, both of which have long wait lists. My conclusion at the time was that this is something I have to work at myself. Try as I might to exercise, its not easy as the associated symptoms of fatigue, pain, and low esteem so often takes over. Your explanations have been of great help and enlightenment. Thank you again.

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

You are so welcome!

[@joshuabriggs7114]

This explains a lot! Thank you!

[@Marlenejessup]

Omg I feel so seen. I want to see this doctor in person.

[@tdub1486]

I hope I can get help. I haven’t found any to help with my head tremor. Just told it’s not to bad😮. Thank you for your knowledge and I hope to hear more from you👍👍

[@vividdreams7072]

Deep thanks , along with being post stroke, cerebrovascular disease and fibromyalgia, now diagnosed with FND too. As an ex psychiatric nurse am finding all this interesting ❤

[@tracybanks9558]

Thought provoking as usual Ty

[@sandyp4123]

Very helpful. Thank You

[@lucyl6425]

Dr. Sullivan I am so glad I found your channel I was diagnosed with FND 4 days ago. The neurologist gave me a handout with one page that described FND and another page that had three websites. She then proceeded to tell me that FND is quite common and for me to find a physical therapist that is familiar with FND. She then told me to find a CBT specialist from the website psychology today. She also told me that it would be difficult to find these people. I’m feeling so overwhelmed with this task because none of the therapist on the Website have CBT listed per se. I asked her for referrals and she I guess is unable to give me any referrals. I am on my own i am 75 years old and the dizziness, brain fog and tremor are driving me bonkers. I am sleeping so much now it is just crazy. In a way I’m grateful that I sleep so much because then I don’t have to deal with fibromyalgia, pain or this tremor. But this is not living! I see that you practice in North Carolina which is where I am living (Hillsborough). Would there be any chance you could guide me in the right direction?

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

I recommend Heather Tippens! www.htippens.com/

[@jspencer7788]

The amount of times I was told I was just on drugs and drug seeking. The amount of times my family and friends had to argue with drs about my non existent drug abuse. The amount of exasperated scripts written and shoved at to just leave, that I’ve never even filled. I can deal with damned pain. I can’t deal with the system that dismisses me.

[@philforrence]

Amazing! Thank you :)

[@moodle5922]

Sooo interesting. Especially the distraction part. Similar to when people with Parkinson’s become frozen when walking….and counting out loud helps some to start moving. The brain is amazing

[@christalsims1571]

Thank you sooooo much for this video. I had my first experience after receiving Covid vaccine. I been DX with FND and had an unpleasant experience in the health system, so I'm learning how to heal and deal with this on my own. It effects my family and myself but I've been able to improve but have symptoms here and there. After 2 years I'm still confused on what is going on with my mind and body. Thank you for researching and bring awareness to FND.

[@phillymintdiecastmodelcars3430]

Tremor started after covid vaccine

[@daniellenunez185]

Excellent video!

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

Thank you very much!

[@lindadove8298]

The saddest thing is that FND is more accepted in the UK than in the USA and there is really no care here or insurance doesn't cover it.

[@andrewallergy]

Thank you Doctor. I was finally diagnosed with FND in 2019. I can't work, though I keep trying to, due to the cognitive effects. Memory is a real problem as is manipulating aural and read data in my mind.

[@malcolmchalmers9231]

Really enjoyed this explanation and I’ve had fnd for 5 years and had,child abuse and neglect and had trouble with behaviour and drugs and turned my life around and went back having relationship with my parent/abuser and had a trigger from them,what took me right back to fear and within a few weeks I had a bad car crash and been at home with symptoms ever sence,but not as bad as it once was and although I blamed a car crash for troubles,I’ve came round to childhood trauma the last few years and faced some giants and continue to work on myself and what I’ve been through

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

May all the blessings be with you, Malcolm.

[@wendybird5104]

I have been diagnosed with FND, I am in Canada, and don’t even have a family doctor. I have had horrible experiences with doctors since I was a young teen. I don’t know where to get help. And my FND is ruining my life.

[@magenaustin2978]

I started having issues right after getting my first jab of PZ in 2021 my symptoms kept progressing over the next year and until they came to a head and left me bed ridden for months. 8 months later I finally had a diagnosis.

[@shaina8552]

This helps so much.

[@rosepierce2648]

Hi, I have been listening to you for several years now. You have helped me alot. But some times I forgot what I learned. I don't have anyone helping me with my brain problems. Sometimes I think I am not real. I am getting so depressed and sad. My dad died who I lived with. We helped each other with our crazy brains.😢

[@jmgacousticmusic]

You do not know me, but I just wanted to say I'm thinking of you and your struggle. Coming and reading these comments resonates so much with my experience. As hard as it is know that there is a community here that understands, even if Drs don't. Stay strong and good luck

[@faebalina7786]

Please stay positive and avoid isolation.Find out what is available in your area by way of support groups for those with neuropsychological disorders.And ofcourse try to do physio , any activities that you need support with get them if you can .I don’t know what country you are in and what support is available but I know anxiety and stress make symptoms worse.

[@maysoontabikh1839]

Thank you Dr Sullivan. Can you please tell me what to do when your neuropsychologist is the number one person who does NOT believe you. Just because I am still working in the pharmacy, he thinks that I am making things up and exaggerating. He invalidated my neuropsychological test, sent a report to my neurologist who I see for migraine, in which she sent me to my primary care without seeing me. You are the very 1st person who I have heard talking about such thing, FND. I have been battling this for years, symptoms are getting worse. I do know it's not in my head, and you just validated it. Can you please give me any suggestion. I am hitting a wall again.

[@bethanylord2426]

As someone with FND, it is wonderful to see that more people are talking about and providing information about Functional Neurological Disorder. Thank you. I think it is so important for people to be able to research and learn as much as they can, especially from informed, fact-based sources. I do worry about some of the content in this video though, and the heavy focus on psychological trauma as being such a major cause of FND. The latest research is very clear that the most common ‘cause’ or trigger of FND is a physical trauma (a car accident, fall, illness etc), and that sometimes there is no clear or known trigger at all. I also question statistics used in this video such as that people who experience childhood trauma are 8x more likely to develop FND. Given the limited knowledge and understanding that even FND experts have about the disorder, I think it is important to give information about the sources used if you are going to provide a number of statistics to prove that current medical research has proven a link between FND and childhood trauma. I also think people with FND or those who are related to them would like to read these studies. There is also some misinformation such as what Positive Symptoms are (being described as physical movements) whereas they are in fact the evidence of symptoms being able to change, reduce or cease momentarily with distraction. Fatigue is also just a very real symptom, not simply a manifestation of medical neglect. I can see how this explanation can be very helpful though, especially if you have experienced emotional trauma and have FND, and it is wonderful to know that FND is being discussed and recognised.

[@stuartburns8657]

My 16yo daughter (at the time) developed Fnd 14 months ago. Healthy / intelligent girl. No trauma, no accidents, no injuries. She was struggling a bit having just started 6th form, but simply went to bed one night a bit earlier than normal, then could walk next day. Loads of follow on symptoms, random arm spasms, hand griping, tic and tourettes etc. She's made good progress, but it's the fatigue which is the real life impediment now I fear

[@heathersoper6923]

My trauma was psychological, see my post above.

[@1markhaworth]

Awesome information. What is the difference between FND and Somatoform Disorder?

[@TheRossRants]

I was dx with FND over 13 years ago (51 now) and have never been abused ever in my entire life. So sick of hearing that it's caused by childhood abuse

[@theangrytiredzebra]

Have you looked into Ehlers Danlos Syndrome?

[@malcolmchalmers9231]

I thought my fnd was with a car crash,but always been on the end of narcissistic abuse and 45 now,so been a difficult few years facing both and hopefully more education and help,will keep coming

[@stellaancimer8505]

We need to speak about nutrition..healing gut..lover inflammation..

[@anamariadan2252]

Hi, and thank you for this amazing eye opening video. My experience with FND has started right before I gave birth to my daughter, 2 years ago, staring with blurry vision, trouble using the toilet, NHS blamed it on birth calling is 'one of those things' (?!), c9ndltinuing with what it looked like 2 ministrokes, 1 seizure, loss of control of my lower body, bladder and bowel, sudden swelling of the face, fatigue, not being able to focus or understand even the simplest conversation, eye lid going droopy etc. As I'm writing this comment, I have yet again brurred vision, like after looking right into the sun. I have had a head MRI 2 years ago, it came back normal, a CT scan about the same time, came back normal, a spine MRI about a year ago, came back normal, eye clinic scanned me and said it's all normal. So everything seems fine, yet i get flare ups of various weird things happening to me. It all makes swnce now, after finding out about FND. I need help and I don't know where to start. I was watching your video in tears. Hopefully I'll be able to dot the i regarding my medical condition. Sorry if I made any mistake, I can't see very well what I'm writing.

[@lunarotimas]

I'm not finished with this yet but when you talk about how long a lot of people have to wait to get there a FND diagnosis makes me grateful that I've gotten so soon then? It's only a tentative dignosis but I'm going into my forth month. My symptoms are pretty extreme though I have numbness all over my body and pain going through my nerves My third time to the ER was to a hospital with a neurology department and that's where I got the tentative diagnosis. I see an actual neurologist starting August 31 I can't work or drive so idk how imma pay my bills and I'm really scared, but I can't imagine how much worse it would be over YEARS

[@gratitude2054]

I am like you with the numbness I have many other symptoms, I wish you all the best, this is horrific, I cry in pain every day and it's hard for me to imagine anyone else going through this, take care I get you. :)

[@suerandle6637]

was diagnosed today. I was put into shielding in 2020, but still ended up with Covid. I was hospitalised with it as well as Pneumonia. I then got a blood clot in my lung. I have never made a full recovery and have Long Covid. It was initially thought I may have dementia. I think the Covid and Long Covid link is interesting

[@cht2162]

Excellent.

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

Thanks for listening!

[@FronteirWolf]

I think I have this. I am normal most of the time, but if I get stressed or angry or upset I can become paralysed for a short time and if I am going through a lot of anxiety I can go through days where it is hard to walk and get about. I keep getting told my collapses and periods of unresponsiveness are avoidance behaviours, which I hear as it being told that I'm putting it on, even though it isn't meant that way. I have a friend who has been tested for epilepsy 4 times because of having seizures and each time it has been confirmed that there is no epilepsy.

[@Alex-ed8tq]

I got the diagnosis as an exclusion diagnosis and got told by so many DOCTORS that I was faking even with the diagnosis :(

[@nancydrew8388]

A highly respected neurologist diagnosed unspecified anemia. He recommended iron supplements and a possible infusion at a later date if the iron levels don’t improve. He said it could be the reason for all my symptoms (ie- Low energy, Hypersomnia, fatigue, brain fog & poor memory.) In the meantime I have been recommended by my regular doctor to a neuropsychologist for brain mapping to help my brain fog. Since being on iron supplements my symptoms have improved except the long sleep time.But, the neuropsychologist Has given the diagnosis of conversion , somotoform & Hypochondriasis after a 15 min appointment ,IQ test & check off lists. He also recommended a check of histamine and cortisol levels. He doesn’t acknowledge the neurologist’s low iron diagnosis because he has misinterpreted the bloodwork.The neuropsychologist recommends a brain mapping and eight sessions of therapy. So, How do I know if the neuropsychologist is correct or if it is a misdiagnosis? And does brain mapping help?

[@rebeccamenter7138]

Wow! What are you going to do?

[@citlalie9791]

Yes brain maping helps the doc understand what meds or supplements you will need

[@gailanthony8795]

Could FND treatment be helpful in treating OT? Is it possible to make a new pathway in the brain to improve Orthostatic Tremor?

[@michellec3535]

I had a father that beat my mother a lot. I have been being tested for MS, for 13years. Never MS. Finally a new neurologist diagnosed me with FND in 2 visits.

[@zinnialopez3443]

My daughter is six And said to have this. She has had no trauma or abuse, but has suffered from migraines since the age of two. Hearing that it stems mostly from trauma or abuse. Makes me feel like an awful parent although I know it is not in this case. I’ve constantly tried for doctors to hear her complaints and to try to get answers. At times I feel like they think there’s this crazy parent again what now and now hearing this, it feels kind of good to know she’s not the only one, but then again, not sure how I feel about them saying it’s more psychological still seems like they’re saying they’re crazy About issues that don’t really exist.

[@nigelmccormack3874]

This is so true It took me five years to get be told.i had got this X

[@matthewtheron2505]

I've been diagnosed with FND earlier this year. After probably a year or almost 2 years of symptoms and going to doctor after doctor. I've experienced or am still walking difficulties, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, conisistent body pains all over and some mostly mild headaches here and there. It's horrible. One doctor told me it's a throat infection perhaps 🙄😁. Really?! Luckily I know what's wrong. It's a bit of a relieve.

[@UniqueAllure1111]

So recognisable! Lost contact by youth care in Holland because I was taken for crazy. Unidentified psychotic and 43 diagnoses that did not match by psychiatric experts and my family separated my sons from me now 2,5 years. Traumatised because I was a twin sister unwanted. Diagnosed with FND no mental disorder brings hopefully back my sons 8 and 13

[@throbbinhood7867]

I currently have being diagnosed with fnd, but i have no trauma in my childhood, yet i have lost the ability to speak fully, i can't pronounce words or make sentences, yet they can't give answers, it seems a cheap diagnosis and don't understand why suddenly i have lost the ability to talk

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

It's only valid if a comprehensive work up has been done.

[@throbbinhood7867]

@@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103 i have seen one neurologist and waiting to see a specialist fnd neurologist in the next few months, but my childhood was loving and caring, nothing that would be remotely classed as traumatic, the fact they lead down the path of trauma is a easy route to send you down, as they fully don't understand why, i have suddenly lost the ability to communicate, thank you for your response

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

@@throbbinhood7867 It can be other triggers rather than psychological trauma. Medical issues, financial stress. Think about the way I describe factors in the podcast and how that may map on. I hope you find th answers and support you deserve.

[@soulbreakerthelastmanalive]

As long as doctors don't even know what FND even is you cannot treat it. 2nd is the lack of medication and emp technology that I know does work and should be covered by medical insurance.

[@lindadove8298]

I was diagnosed with FND last year. What happened to me I will be going to a doctor's appointment for an injection or go to the hospital for surgery. I have only had two events. The first event I had shot like normal in my lower back I was fine got up and started talking drunk and couldn't walk I was put back on the bed ran got the doctor and kept saying I don't know what is wrong and my body became paralyzed from the head to my feet and could not speak or move. But I could hear and see and understand everything. They told me might be having a stroke and called 911. I stayed one night with no answer and took almost 7-9 hours to talk and move again. But the entire time I was treated with horrible treatment. I could not say or do anything.

[@birdgincrit]

Is pain almost like a necessary symptom? As in, if not present, FND is ruled out? I am diagnosed though with FND. My neurologist was surprised, I could almost say 'baffled' that I didn't experience any pain. Contrary to what you often hear is that I went to the neurologist and not that long after that he called me and said I had FND. Not to say that it went undiagnosed before that because the first symptom I noticed was reduced feeling between my legs, if you know what I mean. So I went to see a urologist 2 or 3 times but what the h*ll do they know about FND. Later (after the neurologist) I realised it was my whole body that was sort of numb. Priorities right..;)!

[@annamercer9098]

I was so confused whenI was taken to Barnes Jewish hospital and had a tremor in triage was rushed back to a room one doctor asked me what was happening and I said I have FND it was scary when two of the doctors look at each other and shug there shoulders and Ardmore confused than me like I told them this hospital gave me the diagnosis!! How can I feel safe here if you I t even know what it is y’all diagnosed me with!!

[@AB-ku4my]

The joy of medical professionals treating one (yes, me) treating the patient (a qualified, experienced scientist with extensive medical training) as a complete thick idiot because I don't have a medical degree. Fourteen years from first drop attack to diagnosis via two misdiagnoses of TIAs and panic attacks, treatment with anti-depressants (horrible), Gabapentin (really horrible) and being completely ignored during A&E visits. I now have to convince ambulance crews not to take me in, if I'm capable.

[@stevie9y9y]

Dr Sullivan, thank you for this video. You mentioned bad drug reactions. Have you seen medication withdrawal (long term SSRI use) turn into FND? I've been diagnosed with PPPD. Do you consider this an FND? I have had it for 14 months after attempting to get off. It was a very stressful time in my life. I have seen 6 psychiatrists and 4 neurologists. FND has been mentioned. Is there a way to distinguish between a pharmaceutical injury and FND? All my vestiblar testing is normal and I'm disabled by this at 33 years old. Thank you

[@ralsharp6013]

Ive suffered migrain all my life. Accumulative does of antinausea meditation named metoclopramide, gave me movement disorder 3 years ago. Its affected my body and basil ganglia too apparently. After I got affected by the anti-nausea medication, I realised that I had had the same medication given during pregnancy for nausea.. not during my first two pregnancies, but you're in my last two pregnancies. Both of those children have movement disorder.. Sometimes this antimagic can give the same movement disorder as antidepressants. They are studies in PubMed on autism and antidepressants. About I'm only interested in why metoclopramide affects the serotonin and dopamine so greatly.. I'm looking for the podcast but can't find it. I noticed he's not much feedback here unfortunately😢😢😢

[@RhayleenDidierserre-yp8hj]

Hi,so much trauma as a child,fnd diagnosed just,I'm not mad as doctors think,😢 now I'm making them help me and not taking any more crap😊,also got ptsd,dissioate, depression, anxiety anxiety

[@RhayleenDidierserre-yp8hj]

I've suffered so much, but need support now,

[@aimib462]

I wish I could find help for my daughters FND PNES and Hyperventalation syndrome. She was diagnosed july 2023, started physical therapy. I still am having a hard time finding her a neurpsychiatrist. She's only 18

[@heidibrewster2635]

I have been recently been diagnosed with FND after being unconscious for 5-6 hours and docs couldn’t find anything. I’ve been through docs and haven’t found a signal thing and have had docs say I was lying about my symptoms.

[@tinamchugh21]

I have a FND Diagnosis but not sure how to appreciate on like travel insurance? Will it affect my gold bank travel insurance? And how to approach & relay this to apply for life insurance...? Does anyone have experience in this? On how it affects this ?

[@bobcahoon1397]

My brother has episodes of wasp stings every time his core temperature increases. He had major back surgery, shortly after the surgery this has come on. What should he do. Allergist Dr's etc can't find anything. He is very skeptical!

[@sajjadzaffar5392]

How can I make an appointment with you? I live in Seattle State of Washington and have recently been diagnosed with white matter idchemic dizziness after a brain MRI.

[@RRiquel18]

Where are you located? How can I find a neuropsychologist? I am located in Clearwater Florida. I've done extensive therapy and I had to discontinue because I was getting worse. Now I feel stuck with my symptoms.

[@wackymario]

Hi where is the podcast with Lorain ?

[@liz6034]

I'm stuck in between the neurologist and psychiatrist, with a PhD therapist's opinion seemingly that I have FND. Or in my case, FMD, as dystonia is my primary neurological symptom. There is not a lot of info on FMD. It seems that with dystonia patients the functional label is perhaps overlooked, or, is much less of a possibility. So I am only just now finding the larger group of FND. It's becoming clear to me that my therapist has communicated to both specialists, and perhaps my PCP, that this is her evaluation. I think this because I am being told the same reasoning and explanations she tells me, that I have seen "so many doctors" and "none of them can find anything wrong." I do not at all discount FND as one of several causes of my symptoms, all yet tbd. I am pretty knowledgeable about theories and interested in the mind-brain-body-soul connection. I have been patiently listening to what she has been inferring: that I not only have FND, but also Somatic Symptom Disorder. But I don't see how a single health care professional, even if she is a PhD, should make a decision like this unless that have reviewed your medical history AND in conjunction with medical doctors. This therapist knows little of my overall health history or symptoms. She does not seen to be familiar with types of MDs such as Miege. She sent me to be tested for autism and I was diagnosed with ADHD and cPTSD. She got the results last summer but seemed surprised when I mentioned it recently, and asked me what the c meant. It's clear she doesn't have the whole picture, so how can she decide there are no medical/physical/structural reasons for my symptoms? The worst part is, I really like her. I have a terrible tendency, especially as I have been getting more ill, to be overly trusting of people who I think can help me. But I am realizing that perhaps she has not been helping me at all. I discussed this with my psychiatrist and he suggested I ask her to review my medical records, and to discuss with me why she thinks I have seen "so many" doctors, etc. The original neuro is putting me off, it feels. It is a small professional community and I am sure no one wants to disagree. But I feel more and more judged, and this has been going on for over a year. I'm not really even sure what has been accomplished. I'm being told to change my career to something less stressful, not keep chasing doctors, take various psych meds that will desensitize my body, and accept that my symptoms are a result of changes to my brain due to stress. and anxiety. That's about it. Unrelated to the therapist, I see pain management for botox/dystonia and steroids/cervical arthritis and those have helped greatly. I have had little benefit from psych or physical therapy, both of which I was doing prior to the onset of the dystonia. I'm told by some that botox won't help FMD, and therapy won't help the neurological disorder, so maybe FMD isn't even a correct diagnosis. I just want to do all I can to feel better and get some bits of my life back. I will continue to watch the rest of your videos now that I have found you. Thank you.

[@benwithrow2815]

Hey so I have one Neurologist who thinks its PD or DRD. I'm responding well the sinemet with clear on/off. I went to see a neurologist at the VA and they diagnosed my FND. I'm vet with a history of TBI and PTSD so I understand the FND diagnosis. I have parkinsonism symptoms. Slowness of movement/resting tremor/dystonia/reduced arm swing/ and cogwheel rigidity. The neuro who thinks its PD or DRD i've seen about 5 times and the va neuro only once. I have a negative datscan, but that was a year ago. there has been progression and I know it varies with feelings. Happy feelings symptoms are better, negative feelings or stress its worse. Has anyone had something similar happen? Anyone with FND respond to sinemet?

[@rhsmoe]

My neurologist kept describing my symptoms as - 'unfortunate facial grimacing'. Got diagnosed with FND 6 years later.

[@eddervr123]

Lmao I don’t know why but this made me laugh. I’m not diagnosed with anything, but trying like hell, and I’ve also noticed myself having unfortunate facial grimacing. 😂

[@missnayveltman6361]

I was just diagnosed ,

[@user-rh3bd8pk5p]

I was diagnosed with this today after 12 years

[@talisachris12]

Yes I have been going through this I didn’t want to accept it

[@dorothyhines6951]

Can this diagnosis be accurately given within 15 minutes with no imaging or other tests beyond reflexes and a tuning fork?

[@phoenixexists1920]

I was diagnosed with fnd when I was only 7 years old

[@theangrytiredzebra]

Patients with parents that are ill... Could this be hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome as this causes loads and loads of illnesses and is gentic...

[@stephaniekiernan1633]

I understand the concept of early trauma but I got my problems through working on a covid ward and then getting vaccinated for the second time too closely to the covid infection . In some cases a spade is just a spade . Cats get movement problem after parvovirus because it affects the cerebellum. I’ve had therapy throughout my experience because I believe in it but it was more focused on dealing with unpredictable movement’s. That affects the nervous system in the same way as MS I’m guessing. Are these concepts for Psch evidence based . I got diagnosed by neuro , no one referred to / involved psych ?

[@ingy2468]

Could you address Cramp Fasciculation Syndrome and offer any help or hope, please?