Functional Neurological Disorder

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Functional Neurological Disorder

What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition that affects how the brain and body communicate with one another.

Children and young people with FND experience genuine neurological symptoms, but these symptoms are not caused by damage or disease of the nervous system. Symptoms can affect movement, sensation, speech, concentration, fatigue and many other areas of daily life.

FND is a common condition and can often improve with the right support and treatment.

Our team works with children, young people and their families to understand symptoms, develop effective management strategies and support recovery. 

How can we help?

Treatment for FND is tailored to each child or young person's symptoms and needs. Support may include:

  • Understanding FND and how symptoms develop.
  • Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.
  • Advice on returning to school and everyday activities.
  • Emotional wellbeing support.
  • Support for parents and carers.
  • Working with education and community services to help maintain progress and recovery.

Psychology and emotional wellbeing support

Living with FND can affect emotional wellbeing as well as physical health.

We work closely with local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and can signpost families to appropriate support where needed. We also recommend accessing accredited psychological support services when appropriate. 

Additional support

The FND Workbook for Kids & Teens: A Brain-Based Approach by Katie Carey and Meagan Watson: A workbook for children and young people living with FND, focusing on understanding symptoms, building skills and supporting recovery. Please note this is an external resource and not produced by the NHS.

Information for patients and families

Understanding functional seizures

Functional seizures are episodes that can affect movement, awareness, sensation or responsiveness. Although they can look similar to epileptic seizures, they are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Functional seizures are real, involuntary and can be frightening for both the child or young person and those around them. They are often linked to the way the brain and body respond to stress, worries, emotions, illness, pain or difficult experiences.

What should I do during an episode?

The most important thing is to stay calm and focus on safety.

  • Help keep the child or young person safe from injury.
  • Stay with them and offer reassurance.
  • Reduce noise and distractions where possible.
  • Speak calmly and gently.
  • Avoid restraining them unless there is an immediate risk of harm.

Most functional seizures will pass on their own.

Are functional seizures dangerous?

Functional seizures can be distressing, but they are not usually harmful. They do not cause damage to the brain and most children and young people recover well with the right support and understanding.

If you are worried that symptoms are different from usual, or there is an injury or another medical concern, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Recovery and support

Many children and young people see improvements over time. Recovery is often helped by:

  • Understanding the diagnosis.
  • Learning ways to manage stress and anxiety.
  • Support from family, school and healthcare professionals.
  • Returning to normal activities where possible.
  • Developing confidence and coping strategies.

How can parents and carers help?

Parents, carers and loved ones play an important role in recovery.

You can help by:

  • Providing reassurance and emotional support.
  • Encouraging normal routines where appropriate.
  • Listening to any worries or concerns.
  • Working with healthcare professionals and schools.
  • Helping the child or young person use coping and grounding techniques.


Where can I find more information?

If you have questions about functional seizures, please speak to your healthcare team. They can explain your child's diagnosis, discuss support options and signpost you to appropriate services. Understanding the condition is an important first step towards recovery.

Digital tools

vCreate
vCreate is a secure video platform that allows families to upload videos for clinical review when requested by the healthcare team.
To register for an account, please complete the registration form provided by your consultant's secretary.

Tactuum
Tactuum is a secure digital platform that allows patients and families to complete questionnaires online, including the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which can then be reviewed by clinicians involved in your child's care. 

Useful resources

Understanding FND

West Yorkshire Healthier Together
Visit the Healthier Together website for information and resources relating to functional symptoms in children and young people. 

Additional support and resources
Many children and young people with FND may also benefit from information and support relating to associated symptoms or conditions, including: