FND: Updated research
and the optimal
rehabilitation pathway

FND: Updated Research and the Optimal Rehabilitation Pathway

H. Batey, S. Glen, K. Dawson

Introduction

As a neuro-rehabilitation organisation, we are seeing more and more cases of FND being referred to our clinical teams. These referrals are coming to us directly from insurers, lawyers and case managers, as there is a need for a rehabilitative approach to enable progression on the pathway to recovery. FND
manifests in both cognitive, psychological and physical presentations, hence the presence
of functional deficits, so the holistic approach of a neuro-rehabilitation team is compelling. From our own reviews, we can see that we are making great progress through our interventions, resulting in some outstanding functional outcomes. We are always keen to understand the research and outcomes that contribute to a growing body of evidence for FND, and to establish through case and literature reviews whether a functional approach does indeed give the best possible outcomes for these clients. We thought the outcome of our findings may be of interest to NR Times subscribers, as we will all see more of this client group in need of our particular skills and experience.

So, who can get FND? (Spoiler alert! It’s anyone!)

You may be surprised that anyone can be vulnerable to FND, and while there are a number of factors that are known to increase risk, these are neither definitive nor exclusive and there is still no consensus on precisely what causes the disorder to manifest. However, when considering a patient with FND It’s useful to evaluate them against the 3Ps of the cognitive behavioural model.
Predisposing (factors): illness; personality traits; life events; stressors
Precipitating (triggers): injury; traumatic event (either physical or psychological)
Perpetuating (symptoms): what keeps the symptoms alive? Fatigue, chronic pain, illness beliefs, co-morbidities (anxiety/depression) social stressors and also being within the compensation process.

See more on the FND Updated Research and the Optimal Rehabilitation Pathway and download our publication below.