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What is FND?
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition that affects how the brain and body send and receive signals — resulting in a wide range of physical and neurological symptoms such as seizures, movement difficulties, limb weakness, and sensory changes. While these symptoms are real and often disabling, they are not caused by structural damage to the brain, but rather by disruptions in its functioning.
FND sits at the intersection of neurology and psychology. It is increasingly recognised as a genuine, diagnosable, and treatable disorder — yet many people living with FND still face stigma, misunderstanding, and delayed diagnosis. To make this information more accessible, we’ve created audio infographics that help break down key facts about FND in short, easy-to-listen-to segments.
🎧 You can listen to them below.
Whether you're newly diagnosed, a carer, a healthcare provider, or simply curious — We invite you to explore, learn, and share.
FND is...
Brain-Network
FND Symptoms
FND Podcasts
Take a listen to the "An Updated Round Table Discussion" :
FND: How and Why Does FND Occur?
Diagnosis of FND and New Phenotypes
FND Mechanisms
The exact mechanisms behind Functional Neurological Disorder are not yet fully understood, but research continues to make important strides. FND is thought to involve a disruption in the brain’s ability to send and receive signals properly — particularly in areas that control movement, sensation, and emotion regulation.
These symptoms are real and involuntary, often linked to changes in brain networks responsible for attention, self-agency, and emotional processing. While FND can be triggered by stress, illness, traumatic life events, or injury, they are not the root causes, Instead, FND reflects a complex interaction or interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors — a framework known as the Biopsychosocial Model.
Personalised Care
Understanding the diagnosis is the first step in recovery. When patients receive a clear explanation and feel believed, it often leads to better outcomes.
Focus on personalised care, not over-testing. Restoring function — not just managing symptoms — requires therapy tailored to the individual. Once FND is suspected, avoid unnecessary tests that may delay treatment. A cost-conscious, focused approach supports better outcomes for the patient and healthcare system.
FND Risk Factors
& Stigma
Research highlights several risk factors associated with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), including a history of trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, or other health conditions. However, these are not causes in themselves — many people with FND have no identifiable triggers. Understanding the neurobiology of FND is essential for challenging outdated assumptions and reducing stigma. By recognising FND as a disorder of brain function rather than imagination or weakness, we can foster greater empathy, promote earlier diagnosis, and improve the quality of care for those affected.
Risk Factors May Include:
An extremely stressful event
Emotional distress
Severe viral infections or major medical procedures and surgeries
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
Family member with a neurological illness
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other traumatic physical injury
Looking Ahead
FND sits at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry, it’s not uncommon for healthcare practitioners to hesitate in taking full responsibility for its management.
A coordinated effort is needed to ensure that individuals living with FND are no longer overlooked. Better training for healthcare providers, greater recognition and support from medical aid/insurance providers, and streamlining access to multidisciplinary services are vital steps toward delivering equitable, compassionate, and effective care.