International Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Awareness Day

The Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Awareness Day is being observed on April 13^th 2017 for the fifth year in succession to increase awareness about the condition that can severely incapacitate the patient. This year the theme is ‘Solving the FND Puzzle’. The nervous system controls all our activities. Without a proper functioning brain, we can continue living, but will often be incapacitated and sometimes even dependent on others. A neurological disorder can appear at any time – sometimes like Alzheimer’s, or sometimes suddenly like following a stroke.

FNDs are nervous disorders that occur in the absence of structural abnormalities in the brain. They occur because of a problem with the transmission of signals to and from your brain. Such conditions can be even more distressing than neurological conditions with definite structural abnormalities since patients visiting several doctors undergo several tests without a definite diagnosis which can give hope of a cure. Imagine being told that there is no cause for your condition, and it is just in your head! However, it is important to know that you are not imagining the symptoms, and do not have any control over them.


Some recognized functional neurological disorders include:

• Overactive bladder, where the patient feels an urgent need to repeatedly empty the bladder
• Irritable bowel syndrome, where the person experiences symptoms of abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea and constipation in the absence of a functional cause
• Chronic pain, which can be extremely debilitating
• Cognitive problems which include brain fog, memory loss, dissociative amnesia and depersonalization
• Problems with gait which include feet dragging and gait freezing. These can reduce the confidence of the person and therefore independent living
• Chronic daily headache, with a headache that occurs for at least half the days of the month
• Restless leg syndrome, which results in involuntary movement of the legs
• Weakness or paralysis with no structural cause
• Non-epileptic seizures
• Abnormal sensations
• Reduced or increased sleep
• Speech disorders like inability to speak or stuttering
• Visual problems like double vision or increased sensitivity to light

The exact reason why functional neurological disorders occur is not known. Symptoms can be as bad as those caused by other neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Psychological factors are often and incorrectly blamed as causative factors for these conditions, though they may be associated with some of the conditions. Some aspects of FNDs are important for the patient to note:

• Symptoms of FNDs tend to subside and recur. Symptoms may be associated with trigger factors. Identifying these triggers and avoiding them could help to control symptoms to some extent

• Several medications are available to improve the symptoms of functional neurological disorders so that they do not affect the quality of life. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients with FNDs like non-epileptic attacks.

• With the right treatment, several of these conditions are potentially reversible. The challenge is often finding the right doctor to treat you.

• Avoid quacks who may offer a quick relief from your symptoms. In fact, you should spend time with your doctor just trying to understand the condition. This will help in a big way in controlling your symptoms.

Adequate awareness about how to deal with functional neurological disorders can help patients lead a normal life.
Reference:

1. Functional Neurological Disorder - (https://fndhope.org/)

Source-Medindia