Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) After a Serious Injury
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition where the brain has difficulty sending and receiving signals correctly. The structure of the brain is usually normal, but the way it functions becomes disrupted.
This can lead to real, disabling symptoms affecting movement, sensation, speech, balance and cognition.
FND is common after trauma, including road traffic collisions, falls, psychological shock and physical injury. Symptoms are genuine, involuntary and often frightening for the person experiencing them.
With the right rehabilitation, many people make meaningful progress.
What Causes FND?
FND is caused by a problem with how the brain processes information, not by damage that appears on a scan.
It can be triggered by:
physical trauma
psychological trauma
pain
fatigue
stress
concussion
brain injury
overwhelming sensory input
The brain becomes overloaded and begins to send incorrect signals to the body.
Common Symptoms of FND
Movement Symptoms
weakness or paralysis
tremors
jerking movements
gait problems
sudden collapses
difficulty starting movement
Sensory Symptoms
numbness
altered sensation
pain
visual disturbances
dizziness
Speech and Cognitive Symptoms
slurred speech
whispering or loss of voice
difficulty finding words
reduced concentration
memory problems
Seizure‑Like Episodes
non‑epileptic attacks
shaking
altered awareness
collapse without loss of consciousness
These symptoms are involuntary. The person is not “putting it on”. The brain is misfiring.
Why FND Happens After Trauma
After a serious injury, the brain may struggle to cope with: pain fear shock sensory overload fatigue emotional distress physical limitations
This can disrupt normal neurological pathways, leading to functional symptoms.
FND is a recognised neurological condition.
Rehabilitation for FND
Rehabilitation focuses on retraining the brain‑body connection.
It may include:
Physiotherapy
movement retraining gait practice balance and coordination graded strengthening reducing abnormal movement patterns
Occupational Therapy
fatigue management sensory regulation daily living skills pacing and planning cognitive strategies
Psychological Rehabilitation
managing anxiety and fear trauma‑related therapy improving emotional regulation building confidence with movement
Speech and Language Therapy
communication retraining voice rehabilitation cognitive‑communication strategies
Hydrotherapy
supported movement reduced weight‑bearing improved confidence gentle strengthening
Rehabilitation is most effective when delivered by clinicians experienced in FND.
Fatigue and FND
Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms of FND.
It can trigger: weakness tremors cognitive overload sensory overwhelm non‑epileptic attacks
Fatigue management is essential for stability and long‑term recovery.
How FND Affects Daily Life
FND can impact: mobility independence work driving personal care social confidence emotional wellbeing participation in rehabilitation
Symptoms often fluctuate, making daily life unpredictable.
How FND Evidence Strengthens a Serious Injury Claim
FND provides clear evidence of: disrupted neurological functioning reduced mobility and independence cognitive and sensory difficulties fatigue and overload the need for structured rehabilitation long‑term functional limitations the cost of future therapy and support
FND also demonstrates that the injury affects: safety decision‑making emotional stability daily living community participation ability to work
Because FND often requires long‑term rehabilitation, the cost of future therapy, psychological support, equipment and vocational rehabilitation can significantly increase the value of a claim.
If you are reading this page and have questions, you are welcome to message or call or message me directly on 07584131931 or email rose@seriousinjurylawyer.online.
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