FND Awareness Day – March 25th

FND Awareness Day

On March 25th, we come together to raise awareness for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This day reminds us of the importance of recognising FND as a real, often disabling condition where the brain struggles to send and receive signals effectively. By understanding FND, individuals can access the right treatment and begin their journey towards recovery.

What is Functional Neurological Disorder?

FND manifests when the brain’s communication network falters, resulting in a range of physical symptoms that can impact daily life. These symptoms are real and often significantly disrupt a person’s life, yet FND remains under-recognised in both the public and professional realms. Increasing awareness about FND encourages early identification and timely intervention, a vital step in unlocking effective treatment options.

The Importance of Timely Assessment

At Reach, we believe that a timely and accurate assessment for FND is crucial. A correct diagnosis paves the way for understanding the condition and accessing targeted treatment. Our specialised FND assessments provide a valuable baseline and a robust clinical approach that empowers individuals to reclaim their goals and lives. We utilise a SMART goal-focused strategy that helps set clear treatment objectives, transforming initial assessments into actionable recovery plans.

A Multidisciplinary Approach for Better Outcomes

Managing FND calls for a collaborative treatment strategy. We bring together professionals from neurology, physiotherapy, psychology, and neuro-occupational therapy to form a comprehensive intervention team. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that every individual receives an integrated treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. By combining expertise from various fields, we help clients regain control, improve function, and rebuild confidence in their recovery journey.

Key Statistics to Raise Awareness

• Prevalence: FND affects around 4-12 people per 100,000 annually and accounts for approximately 16% of outpatient neurology visits.
• Demographics: While FND impacts people of all ages, it predominantly affects women, with a 2-3:1 female-to-male ratio. Symptoms can start at any age, often peaking in the 20s to 40s, sometimes following a physical or psychological trauma.
• Diagnosis & Misdiagnosis: FND often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, with studies indicating that up to 30% of patients referred to epilepsy or movement disorder clinics eventually receive an FND diagnosis.
• Treatment Outcomes: Early diagnosis coupled with a multidisciplinary treatment approach significantly improves outcomes, enabling many individuals to regain function and quality of life.

On FND Awareness Day, we invite clinicians, researchers, and the broader community to share insights and experiences. By raising awareness, we drive forward the conversation on early diagnosis, tailored treatment, and ultimately, recovery. Let’s continue to collaborate and innovate, ensuring that every individual affected by FND receives the treatment they deserve.

See our functional assessment service to treat the symptoms synonymous with FND here: FND Connect