Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a complex condition whose cause is often referred to as “medically unexplained” psychosomatic or somatisation. Difficult to diagnose, clinical features are what specialists use to identify FND from other neurological conditions with similar symptoms. The clinical features include limb weakness, seizures, tremor, dystonia, gait disorders, facial spasm, tics, twitches, jerks, sensory symptoms, cognitive symptoms, speech and swallowing, postural perceptional dizziness (PPPD) visual symptoms dissociative symptoms. Other associated symptoms include chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, back and neck pain, and complex regional pain syndrome, persistent fatigue, sleep problems including insomnia (not sleeping enough) and hypersomnia (sleeping too much) migraines and other types of headache and facial pain, irritable bowel syndrome and other problems with the function of the stomach and bowel. Anxiety and panic attacks, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, dysfunctional breathing and chronic urinary retention despite all tests being normal (which may be diagnosed as Fowlers syndrome). Often exacerbated by stress or trauma symptoms may fluctuate in intensity and be continuous or random. Symptoms are categorized into four main groups
1. Sensory: FND patients often experienceissues with how the brain processes sensory information. A negative impact reflects symptoms such as loss of sensation or a numbness whereas a positive impact produces increased sensations such as pins and needles or pain. Often experiencing ‘Sensory overload’ of any or all of the five senses ( sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch) e.g. skin sensations such as tingling, crawling, prickling, tenderness or pain. The source of pain may be difficult to locate as it may travel from muscles, skin or joints and at various times it may fluctuate in intensity and may often link to the following.
2. Concentration, Memory and Fatigue: FND patients often report memory problems or difficulty concentrating with brain ‘fog’ and extreme fatigue. The fatigue can vary day to day, some experience extreme fatigue and need to spend a day in bed after completing simple tasks whilst on other days energy levels are good.
3. Motor (movement of the body): FND patients often experience difficulty moving or experience that movement has slowed down, they cannot move part of their body or lose power e.g grip of the hand. Some may experience extra uncontrolled involuntary movements such as twitches or tremors.
4. Dissociation/functional seizures: FND patients may experience collapse, black out or lose consciousness with or without shaking. According to FND Action “Treatment for FND should be tailored to each individual, based on their specific symptoms, needs, and goals. Whilst no two experiences of FND are the same, research shows that outcomes improve significantly when care is based on early diagnosis, a clear explanation, and timely access to the right therapies”. Best practice involves a multidisciplinary team (MDT) led by a neurologist with support from therapists. Clinical Reflexology may offer benefit to FND patients by promoting relaxation and potentially reducing symptom severity especially pain. Identifying individual stress triggers and equipping patients with self-help techniques may enhance sleep quality, mood and pain management increasing a sense of empowerment and wellbeing. Over many years I have developed a holistic approach to Clinical Reflexology treatment delivery supported by professional knowledge and skills of associated modalities including Counselling, Nutritional Therapy and Homoeopathic prescribing and as an experienced complementary practitioner I have a deep and wide-ranging understanding of symptom management that enables me to advise and support patients with acute and chronic complex conditions. Making even the smallest of changes to Diet and Lifestyle can have a profound effect on wellbeing and assist in the management of symptoms that may be affecting quality of life. If you think I might help you to improve your health and wellbeing, please get in touch.