October 3, 2023

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is often misunderstood. So, let’s set the record straight on a few of the most common misconceptions. And don’t worry, we’ll keep it light and breezy, just like a chat over coffee!

  1. Myth 1: “FND is all in your head”: Well, technically, it does involve the brain, but not in the way this phrase implies! FND is not a figment of imagination or a result of malingering. It’s a legitimate neurological condition where the brain’s software has a few bugs. It’s not about making up symptoms; it’s more like your brain is putting on an unscheduled improv show!
  2. Myth 2: “FND is just another name for hysteria”: No, we didn’t time-travel back to the Victorian era, thank you! FND is not “hysteria” or any other outdated, stigmatizing term. It’s a well-recognized, modern medical diagnosis. So, let’s leave the term “hysteria” where it belongs – in historical dramas!
  3. Myth 3: “If you have FND, you can’t have any other neurological condition”: It’s not an either-or situation. Having FND doesn’t give you immunity against other neurological conditions. It’s quite possible for someone to have FND and also have conditions like epilepsy or migraines. The brain, after all, didn’t read the rule book!
  4. Myth 4: “There’s no treatment for FND”: Not true! While FND doesn’t have a magic-pill solution, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. It might not be a quick-fix, but remember, even software updates take a while to install!

Remember, the key to dispelling myths is information. So, let’s keep learning, keep talking, and keep busting those misconceptions with a healthy dose of facts, understanding, and a dash of humor!