Yesterday I saw a Neurologist after an 18 month wait since referral.
From my symptoms, an examination of reflexes, co-ordination and exclusion of other possible diseases he believes I am suffering from Functional Neurological Disorder.
He is putting me forward for a brain MRI as he thinks this is a sensible approach to rule out lesions and be 100% in his findings with a view to then follow me up after to discuss the results. If scan all clear he will then commit to FND diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Meanwhile whilst waiting for above appointments I was wondering if anyone on this forum can advise more on the disorder , what to expect in the way of treatment , medication if any, resources and coping strategy and more.
TIA
Written by
Maynan17
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Seeking a diagnosis for mysterious illness is always a difficult time, no matter how long it takes.
Everyone's FND experience is different but for me, because my main trigger was likely trauma, the elephant in the room is anything overstimulating my central nervous system. That could be everyday physical and mental tasks, or more effective antagonists are mental health and joint inflammatory foods like gluten (especially oats) and stimulants like caffeine etc.
Following my FND diagnosis a few months ago, I am only just starting on building my own multi-disciplinary rehab program because here in Australia the public FND clinics are full and have closed their books!!
The recommended rehab program of Physio, Psychology and Occupational Therapy are all very important for your best chance of recovery.
After experiencing FND symptom flares throughout my whole life, I've known for a very long time, there's a huge mental health aspect to it. And diet!!!! My best coping strategy for bringing windows of relief is through the spiritual practice of deep mindfulness meditation and of the science-merging esoteric guided kind.
I also take an SSRI for fibromyalgia which is one of the many FND symptoms. Since starting that last Sept after my father passed away, it has helped me immensely with managing complex PTSD panic attacks, making FND much worse for me. From my own research, the best FND professor in Scotland does not recommend meds for FND.
Until you actually get a diagnosis, may I recommend that you minimise your research online! You may find that can make you more anxious, and mirror neurons can be clever characters when watching others suffer on YouTube and the like!
Happy to keep touching base if and when you want to. We are the same age🙃
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