Blank expression

[MONIREN]

Lately I seem to zone out and have a blank expression, my husband says I look angry, but I have a quirky sense of humour. Can't seem to stop or have control over it. Mainly when in stressful situations. Is it a progression of FND or something else? Thank you. Moni

[Marleymoo13]

Hi yes this is common in people with FND it’s called Dissociation. It very common in stressful situations to do this. I have FND and do this almost everyday due to anxiety. Hope this helps. Merry Christmas x

[MONIREN in reply to Marleymoo13]

Thank you, it does help, it helps also to explain it to gp. I sometimes find it difficult to find the right way to explain it. Hope you have a lovely holiday time. Take care. Moni

[210272 in reply to Marleymoo13]

Hi Marleymoo13 Dissociative symptoms can result from some medications and is reported by people who have vestibular conditions and those who get migraine attacks (especially those who get high pain levels, which I don't, thank heavens). I don't think it's specific to people with a FND label because although some people think FND and Dissociative symptoms are psychiatric conditions, others don't. I agree with Moni that it is usuful to know what it's called but GPs can have a tendency to overlook other symptoms once someone has accepted a psychiatric diagnosis and although some of them may know how to treat dissociative symptoms, others won't have a clue. As far as I can tell, prevention is easier than treatment when it comes to these symptoms but that relies on being able to access effective treatment for the underlying cause, which can be tricky if that has not been identified.

VeDA did a post about dissociative symptoms a while ago, which might be of interest to you

[MONIREN in reply to 210272]

I am on a lot of medication, over 20 prescribed daily, none for FND. I rarely get headaches and haven't changed meds recently. But I will talk to my physio, they have been great helping with my symptoms . Thank you for your reply. Take care. Moni

[210272 in reply to MONIREN]

Hi Moni,

That's a lot of medication - I really feel for you. Apologies if I've already asked you this and forgotten the answer but what 'rule in' signs were you told about that confirmed your dx of FND?

I rarely get headaches either and that's fairly common amongst people with vestibular migraine which could be part of the reason it can take such a long time to diagnose. I've lost count of the number of people I know (in person and online) who were originally misdiagnosed with FND who have migraine, including vestibular migraine and the 'territorial expansion' commentary from Kanaan (which relates to the FND Subtypes paper) gives me huge cause for concern since I think it will lead to even more iatrogenic harm.

Physios are fab, on the whole - I'm glad you have a good one

All the best and here's hoping 2025 brings more great scientific discoveries about migraine and vestibular/neurovestibular/audiovestibular conditions.

[MONIREN in reply to 210272]

No migraines either, used to suffer badly with vertigo but physio helped with gentle neck exercises. Took a year to be diagnosed, neurologist did multiple tests, scans, bloods and physical tests. It ruled out everything else, as there is no test actually for FND. I don't have severe symptoms as many do, my speech, walking, jerking and losing use of hands, loss of connection from brain to body . If I look at my foot, I can't move it, have to focus on something else. It seems to be progressive since 2017. Weird how looking back, I had symptoms years ago. Diabetes and heart are my biggest issues. Just take one day at a time. Hope you cope with your circumstances. Take care. Moni

[210272 in reply to MONIREN]

Thanks, Moni As you probably know, they are still meant to tell you what the 'ruling in' signs are for FND (and not just exclude other things since 'it's not a diagnosis of exclusion') so I hope that they've done that for you and if they haven't I'd ask for a second opinion. Many people with vestibular/balance/motion sensation symptoms seem to wind up with a FND dx (and, as a result, a DSM dx) for no good reason and I find it very hard to understand the reasoning behind the 'territorial expansion' stuff since there are already many people in this group who struggle to access appropriate treatment and support.

I hope you are getting good support for the diabetes and heart issues - that's a lot to be dealing with on top of your other symptoms.

I'm in remission from Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (some 'eminent' doctors (mostly male ones) think that everyone with MdDS has FND, others don't) so feel very, very fortunate. However it is a two edged sword since there is no guarantee it will last although if it does come back I can afford to go to Antwerp for treatment now, thank heavens.

[thinkin]

Hi,

Yes, I have it when I'm tired or ill. I have a FND movement disorder which effects the same parts of the brain as Parkinson's disease and can mimic it to a tee. A masked face is a Parkinson's symptom so my copycat FND is mimicking it with it's faulty signalling.

Also my eyebrows go up too. It's the sign before my zombie face. My husband calls it my butt plg face - charmed I'm sure. I can feel that stage and know when to sit down and rest.

Hope this helps! x

[MONIREN in reply to thinkin]

Yes, FND is similar to Parkinsons, I've been on Parkinsons medication to control the jerking. Sometimes I worry that something else will make life more difficult. Thank you for the reassurance. Hope you cope with your circumstances. Take care. Moni