A GP has said that people experiencing certain symptoms might want to consider asking their doctors about a specific condition
If you’re constantly feeling run down and under the weather, it might be worth seeing if a certain health condition could be the culprit. However, according to one doctor, it might not be so straightforward to diagnose.
Dr Asif Ahmed, an England-based GP, suggested that those grappling with certain common symptoms might want to discuss the possibility of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) with their doctors. He said: “We don’t fully know why or how it happens, but [experts] think that there’s a problem with the signal between the brain and the rest of the body.”
He explained that the problem is not just how your brain receives signals from the rest of the body – but how it sends signals out too. Dr Ahmed noted that this condition typically doesn’t cause “any structural damage to the nerves of the brain.”, reports Surrey Live.
The NHS Inform website states that the issues occur “on a level of the brain that you cannot control”. Symptoms of FND can vary greatly from person to person. According to Dr Ahmed, the warning signs can be “so varied and widespread”.
NHS Inform highlights key symptoms to watch out for:
- Limb weakness
- Functional/dissociative seizures
- Tremors
- Gait disorder (problems walking, such as dragging leg, feeling unsteady or making excessive movements)
- Facial or muscle spasm
- Functional tics
- Drop attacks (falling to the ground suddenly without losing consciousness)
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
- Persistent postural perceptual dizziness (gets worse while walking or in crowded spaces)
- Vision problems (vision can become blurred or reduced, you could start seeing double, or develop light sensitivity)
Chronic pain, persistent fatigue, and sleep issues are also flagged as potential indicators of this condition. It could also lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Dr Ahmed highlighted that pinpointing Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) as the root of your health troubles can be a drawn-out and complex process. The diagnosis often relies on a method of eliminating other likely causes one-by-one as there isn’t yet a single definitive test to identify the condition.
The diagnostic journey can sometimes uncover additional health issues FND patients might be facing. This could involve conducting specific blood tests and scans to fully investigate any concerns.
According to the NHS, the causes of “FND can happen for a wide range of reasons” and differ significantly from one individual to another. Moreover, having an existing neurological condition may heighten the risk of developing FND.
While there currently is no absolute cure for FND, a variety of rehabilitation therapies are available. These aim to ‘retrain the brain,’ assisting patients in improving their ability to perform daily tasks.
Medications may also be beneficial in addressing certain symptoms associated with FND, such as pain, depression, and anxiety. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider in determining whether medication is a suitable option for managing FND.
