KNOW THE CODE

🚦 FND Symptom Checker: When to Act

A simple traffic light system to help patients, families, and carers decide when to self-manage, seek support, or call for help.

🟢 GREEN – Safe to Self-Manage

These symptoms are typical in FND and usually don’t require medical attention. Focus on rest, grounding, hydration, and pacing your energy.

Common Symptoms What It Means

Mild shaking or limb jerks Not interfering with daily activity

Occasional brain fog You can still function and stay safe

Tiredness or low energy Improves with rest

Light speech issues Like stuttering or whispering, but you're still understood

Dragging foot or arm You're stable and not at risk of falling

Tingling or patchy numbness Not spreading or painful

Mild dizziness or blurred vision Resolves with rest or grounding

What to do:
✅ Take breaks, hydrate, avoid stress, use calming techniques, and keep a symptom diary.

🟠 AMBER – Caution: Get Checked

These symptoms could become more serious. Have someone check in on you. Consider contacting your GP, neurologist, or specialist clinic.

Watch For What It Might Mean

Repeated or worsening drop attacks Could risk injury or signal a change

Longer dissociation or confusion You feel “out of it” and can’t focus

Speech loss Sudden inability to speak clearly

Severe muscle spasms or twisting Painful, difficult to manage

Functional seizures (non-epileptic) Frequent or affecting safety

Vision or hearing loss Sudden or prolonged

Sudden exhaustion Preventing you from eating or washing

What to do:
🟠 Let someone know. Avoid being alone. Contact your GP or neurologist for advice. Avoid driving or using stairs without support.

🔴 RED – Urgent: Get Help Now

These symptoms need immediate medical attention. While they may be related to FND, they could also indicate something more serious.

Emergency Symptoms What To Watch For

First-time seizure or collapse Especially with shaking, blackout or injury

Trouble breathing Not improving with rest or calming

Total speech or movement loss Lasts longer than a few minutes

Vomiting while unable to move Risk of choking or dehydration

Head injury after collapse Especially with memory loss

Sudden bladder or bowel loss Alongside weakness or pain

Confusion or extreme disorientation You can't say where you are or who you are

What to do:
🔴 Call 111 (NZ emergency) or go to the nearest ED.
🩺 Tell ambulance/hospital staff about your FND diagnosis, but insist symptoms are real and need checking.

🧠 A Reminder:

• FND symptoms are real and can be disabling.
  
  

• Just because it's FND doesn't mean it's not serious.
  
  

• Use this guide to advocate for yourself or support someone safely.
  
  

🔍 References:

• Stone J. et al. (2020) – Practical Neurology
  
  

• Perez D.L. et al. (2021) – Nature Reviews Neurology
  
  

• Nielsen G. et al. (2015) – Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
  
  

• LaFrance W.C. et al. (2013) – American Family Physician
  
  

• www.neurosymptoms.org
  
  

• FND Hope