For the Health of It: Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder
Tyler Ryan and Hima Dalal discuss FND, commonly called Conversation Disorder
COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) – Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), also known as Conversation Disorder, according to CORA’s Hima Dalal, refers to a group of motor, sensory, or cognitive symptoms caused by an abnormality in how the brain functions.
People with FND may experience the following symptoms:
• Involuntary movements
• Nonepileptic seizures
• Dizziness
• Blindness
• Numbness
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Slurred speech
• Stuttering
• Dystonia
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Abnormal posture
• Jerking or locking of joints
Living with symptoms of FND can lead to problems with walking, activities of daily living, self-care, work duties, recreational activities, and cognitive functions. Cognitive deficits caused by FND include memory loss, shortened attention span, decreased ability to focus, & loss of thinking and execution functions.
People with autoimmune disorders, PTSD, low self-esteem, high stress levels, anxiety, panic disorders, & chronic fatigue disorders are more likely to develop FND in their lifetime. An estimated 4 to 12 out of 10,000 people will develop FND per the National Institute of Health.
Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Therapy along with a medical team can be highly beneficial in treating patients with FND. OT can help by not only with improving independence with ADLs, self-care, and pain management, but also when combined with Cognitive Therapy can aid in increasing focus on execution functions & can improve fine motor & gross motor coordination. Energy medicine treatment can also help with creating new
neuropathways. Positive thinking, mindfulness, meditation, and specific yoga with the power of breath can also be very effective modalities in treating FND.
Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation are powerful tools to improve agility and focus. To learn and practice meditation & for all other questions contact himadalalintegrativehealth@gmail.com or hdalal@corahealth.com or visit our Facebook page at Hima Dalal Integrative Health & take advantage of live mindfulness meditation.
