Functional neurological disorders
Real neurological symptoms such as weakness, tremor, dizziness and seizures that arise from a problem in how the nervous system functions, not from a lesion.
What functional neurological disorders is
Functional neurological disorders (FND) are conditions with genuine neurological symptoms, including weakness, movement disturbances, tremor, dizziness, non-epileptic seizures and sensory changes, where the problem lies in how the nervous system functions rather than in structural damage.
They are real and often severely disabling. They are not malingering and they are not simply nerves. The brain is having difficulty sending or integrating certain signals correctly.
Why the tests come back “normal”
MRI scans and other tests are usually normal because there is no structural damage. The problem is with the software rather than the hardware. There are, in fact, positive clinical signs that help identify FND.
Understanding that the system is working badly but is not damaged is the key point, because it opens the door to recovery: a pattern of functioning can be retrained.
Common symptoms
- Functional weakness or paralysis of a limb
- Tremor, spasms or movement disturbances
- Non-epileptic seizures or episodes
- Dizziness, unsteadiness or changes in gait
- Shifting sensory symptoms such as tingling or numbness
How the IDENTA Model approaches it
The approach starts with an integrated assessment and with a clear explanation of the diagnosis, which in FND is therapeutic in its own right.
We combine psychoeducation, evidence-based psychotherapy, physical rehabilitation aimed at retraining movement, and nervous system regulation, all coordinated across disciplines.
We always work in coordination with neurology where that is appropriate.
What you can expect
- A diagnosis explained clearly and without stigma.
- An interdisciplinary plan for retraining and regulation.
- Coordination with your neurologist or the doctor treating you.
This information is provided for general education. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and is not a diagnosis. If you live with these symptoms, an initial assessment allows your case to be evaluated as a whole.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a psychological or a neurological problem?
It is both, integrated: a problem in how the nervous system functions, in which psychological and stress-related factors can play a part. That is why the approach is medical and psychological rather than only one of the two.
If my tests are normal, why do I have symptoms?
Because FND is a problem of function, not of structure. There are in fact positive clinical signs that allow it to be diagnosed, regardless of imaging being normal.
Is recovery possible?
Yes, improvement is possible and at times considerable, because a pattern of functioning can be retrained. Results depend on the individual case and on a sustained approach.
Start with an initial assessment
Every process at IDENTA begins with listening. Request an assessment and get a structured opinion on your case.