Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a neurological condition caused by changes in brain network communication - not with its structure. In other words, the brain and body are structurally intact but the way the brain sends and processes signals becomes disrupted, leading to neurological symptoms that are real.

FND includes several distinct subtypes or presentations. These may occur alone or together:

• Functional Movement Disorder (FMD) - FMD affects how your body moves. Symptoms one may experience include movements like tremors, jerky movements, difficulty walking, muscle weakness, involuntary muscle contractions.

• Functional Seizures - Functional seizures are a type of functional neurological symptom that result from the disruption in how the brain and body communicate. Symptoms may include physical symptoms of eye closure, head movements, jerking, hyperventilation. The one experiencing the functional seizure might report symptoms of dissociation, lightheadedness, dizziness, numbness / tingling, heart racing, and temperature changes.

• Functional Dizziness or Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) - PPPD is a chronic condition of persistent imbalance, dizziness or motion sensitivity that can significantly impact daily life. Symptoms of PPPD are often triggered by visual environments, movement and posture changes.

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - CRPS is a pain condition that often develops after an injury, involving pain that is disproportionate to the original injury. Symptoms of CRPS include high sensitivity to touch, burning pain, swelling, motor changes, and more.

How Does NeuPath Address Your FND Symptoms?

• Rewire Through Neuroplasticity - Your brain is adaptable. Just as your brain networks can be altered to disrupt how your brain is sending and processing signals, we can use that same principle to create healthy pathways. Through carefully graded exercises and movement retraining, physical therapy helps the brain develop new connections. This is the science of neuroplasticity, central to FND treatment.

• Support Nervous System Regulation - Assessment and treatment of nervous system function, especially if you are experiencing symptoms similar to heart racing, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to exercise.

• Restore Sensory Function - The sensory system include's the brain’s ability to process information from the environment - how you perceive touch, temperature, pain, balance and movement. FND can cause altered sensory system processing, affecting how you feel in your body day to day. If you are experiencing disproportionate pain levels, difficulty sensing where your body is in space, dizziness with movement or other sensory symptoms, physical therapy will play a key role in retraining the sensory system.

• Restore Physical Function and Reduce Pain - Individuals may be experiencing a variety of physical challenges, including muscle weakness, neural tension, hypermobility and pain. These symptoms can significantly alter your ability to move freely, perform daily tasks and maintain an active lifestyle. Physical Therapy focuses on restoring physical function and reducing pain through targeted, individualized treatment strategies.

Take Control of Your Symptoms

• At NeuPath Physical Therapy, we offer evidence-based care that acknowledges the complexity of your condition and supports you.

• If you or a loved one is navigating life with Functional Neurological Disorder, we are here to help you on your path to recovery.

• Please contact us today or schedule a free consultation to learn how NeuPath Physical Therapy can support you.