Harvard Health describes the Amygdala Part of the Brain sends a stress signal, which in turn tells the Hypothamalus part of the brain to produce Adrenalin and Cortisol.

Neurological Signals - Since 2020 Neurologists have discovered that with some adjustments to the frequency used in eeg technology, activity in neurological pathways during FND attacks can be detected.

As all this Adrenalin and cortisol is rushing in from our brain - our body is get ready for the 'flight or fight' response. This happens really quickly, and beyond our control most times. In turn, all the blood in our gut, used for healthy digestion, is pushed out into our muscles, ready for action!

Imagine this happening all the time. As a reusult, the digestive systems suffers, nutrients arent being absorbed, appettite and toileting are affected.

UNC School of medicine would state symptoms would include 'heartburn, indigestion, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and associated lower abdominal pain '

The title should really read - the Nervous System Part... in the interests of keeping things simple, the nervous system controls our body - so, the body part it is.

The image to the left broadly labels some well known common issues... theres a few, and as an FND patient, I would also say a few of these are....expandable.

Functional Limb, Weakness and Sensory Disturbance can be experienced in any limb, as can Dystonia Pain - Which is a painful contortion of a limb or body part into an unrested position.

Dissociative Seizures can look like a Myclonic Tic, to a full Tonic Clonic Type non epileptic seizure, or be absent - there is more than 1 type of seizure, and placing it under an Umbrella of Dissociative - well, I would practice caution there....

So imagine that we go through life, waking, stretching with a yawn, get out of bed, bathroom, breakfast, work, home, dinner, shower, rinse and repeat.

You've spent many hours and years developing your career and skill sets, You're strong, intelligent, and independent.

Suddenly, on your way to the car, you find yourself on the ground, unable to move your body, or get up. things are weird, woozy, unsure, you can feel but you can't....

Diagnosed with FND, your chances of driving, holding down a job, living with quality, can all be factors that alter your self image, and self confidence,

Depression begins to set in. So does anxiety - You need to get the cash from that ATM machine, or get to the child about to cross a busy road....but your body has other ideas.....

This is why therapy and psycholgical services are important, as part of a treatment path.

There is no definative 'cause' found as yet.

Speculation around genetic predisposition has been thrown around, but no definitive proof has come forth that I know of.

In saying that, even having a predisposition does not mean its happening - it means its more likely it could.

So far, every FND case has been trauma related, Injury related, or just plain unknown.

I have yet to find a case of someone being born with it.

Of course research continues, and as soon as I know, you will know too!

We as a people are still trying to work that out. There are some treatments that seem to offer great benefit.

One is hydrotherapy, another is psychotherapy, physiotherapy too. Diet and nutrition are all contributors to a better experience, and environment.

Environment is  important - things like quiet time without 52 screens on around you, having seating available, noise levels, tidyness can effect your mood, any allergy type things in the air? 

Many people forget that a happy and functional environment can encourage wellness too.

Any treatment pathway should be discussed with your wellness team. FND requires a team - neurology, G.P, Therapy, Physio, friends, pets and family, home help and everyone on the same page.

The picture to the left will link you to our facebook group, where fnd supporters and patients are welcome to share information and product links. It is private, and moderated, to ensure your safety and privacy

Joining support groups online is a helpful way to discuss this complex condition, and seed some treatment plan discussions.

Take a look at our support within NZ page for more support available in New Zealand