Functional Neurological Disorder

Overview

Functional Neurological Disorder causes genuine neurological symptoms—such as weakness, tremor, blackout or speech difficulty—without damage that shows on routine scans. The “software” of the nervous system misfires even though the “hardware” is intact. Quick recognition and targeted rehabilitation give the best chance of recovery.

At The New Foscote Hospital, Banbury you receive a clear diagnosis from a consultant neurologist, 3 T MRI to rule out structural problems, and a tailored outpatient programme that retrains movement, rewires brain networks and rebuilds confidence.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

• Ends the uncertainty of repeated negative tests
• Guides physiotherapy that focuses on retraining rather than strengthening alone
• Introduces psychological strategies to calm the brain’s threat‑response loop
• Prevents secondary problems such as de‑conditioning, pain and social withdrawal
• Empowers you and your family with an explanation that symptoms are real and treatable

Common Symptoms

• Sudden limb weakness or paralysis that varies with attention or emotion
• Tremor, jerks or dystonic postures that change with distraction
• Functional (non‑epileptic) seizures—episodes of unresponsiveness or shaking without EEG changes
• Gait problems such as knee‑buckling or “slow‑motion” walking
• Loss of vision, speech or sensation that does not match nerve pathways
• Severe fatigue, brain fog and light‑headedness
• Pain that moves around or flares unpredictably

Typical Triggers And Risk Factors

• Physical injury or illness acting as an initial “spark”
• Psychological stress, trauma or chronic life pressures
• Sleep deprivation, pain or chronic fatigue
• Health anxiety after previous neurological investigations
• Coexisting migraine, irritable‑bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia

When To Seek Medical Advice

Call 01295 252 281 if you have unexplained fainting, weakness, tremor or seizure‑like episodes, especially if previous scans have been “normal” yet symptoms persist.

Seek emergency care via 999 if a new seizure lasts more than five minutes or weakness is accompanied by sudden facial droop or speech loss—these may signal a stroke.

How We Confirm And Monitor FND

1  Consultant Neurology Assessment – detailed history, witness description of attacks and positive bedside signs (e.g., Hoover’s sign for functional leg weakness).
2  On‑Site MRI Brain And Spine – high‑definition imaging in the Imaging Centre to exclude structural disease.
3  EEG Or Ambulatory ECG (If Needed) – arranged promptly when functional seizures are suspected.
4  Multidisciplinary Feedback Session – neurologist explains the diagnosis using clear, non‑blaming language and introduces the rehabilitation plan.
5  Follow‑Up Reviews – progress checks every six to twelve weeks; additional scans only if new red‑flag symptoms appear.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Programme

• Specialist Physiotherapy – task‑based movement retraining, distraction techniques and graded exposure to feared activities in the Physiotherapy Department.
• Occupational Therapy – fatigue management, workplace adaptations and pacing for daily tasks.
• Clinical Psychology – cognitive‑behavioural therapy or acceptance‑and‑commitment therapy to calm over‑alert threat systems and process trauma where relevant.
• Speech And Language Therapy – voice projection, breathing control and swallowing strategies when speech or throat tightness is prominent.
• Education Sessions – small‑group workshops explaining brain‑body signalling, stress physiology and self‑management tools.
• Family Involvement – training loved ones to support recovery, avoid unhelpful cues and celebrate progress.
• Lifestyle Guidance – sleep hygiene, graded exercise, balanced nutrition and mindfulness to stabilise the nervous system.

Most clients attend one‑to‑three 60‑minute sessions per week for six to twelve weeks, with home exercises and digital resources between visits.

Why Choose The New Foscote Hospital

• Consultant‑led diagnosis with appointments typically within one week
• State‑of‑the‑art 3 T MRI on site—no need for external scanning
• Dedicated outpatient gym, therapy kitchen and quiet rooms—no hospital stay required
• Small, consistent FND team offering continuity and flexible scheduling, including evening slots
• Free parking, tranquil surroundings and easy travel from Oxford, Warwick and Northampton

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FND “All in My Head”?
No. Symptoms are real and disabling. FND arises from altered brain network function, not imagination or intentional behaviour.

Can I Recover Fully?
Many people make significant improvements, especially when diagnosis is explained clearly and therapy starts early. Commitment to the rehabilitation plan is key.

Will Medication Help?
Drugs have a limited role. We may treat coexisting pain, migraine or mood symptoms, but the core treatment is active rehabilitation.

Start Retraining Your Nervous System

Call 01295 252 281 or enquire online to book your Functional Neurological Disorder assessment and personalised outpatient programme.

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