Functional neurological disorder

Clinical Neurologist Matthew Phillips provides an update on Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) which is a disorder that arises from abnormal nervous system functioning where there is no identifiable organic disease.

Topics

Intro
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A definition of functional neurological disorder
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What sets FND apart from other neurological conditions?
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Common symptoms and presentations
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Understanding a patient's history
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Co-existing organic disorder (Migraine, MS, Epilepsy, etc.)
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Examination and testing
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investigations with FND
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Approach to diagnosis and treatment
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5 Steps - Direct, explain, physio, address coexisting mood, reassure
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Prognosis and long term outcomes
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Take-home messages
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Take home messages

As GPs you will see a good number of FNDs
A good history - try to exhaust the symptoms
Do a proper neurological examination
Expect complexity, but treat this like any other disorder
If correctly treated, outcomes can be spectacular

Resources

fndhope.org Uniting people diagnosed with FND
FND Guide Neurosymptoms.org

Presenter

Matthew Phillips

Clinical and Research Neurologist

Matthew is a full-time clinical and research neurologist at Waikato Hospital, Hamilton. His foremost passion is to explore the potential feasibility, safety, and efficacy of metabolic strategies, particularly fasting and ketogenic diets, in creating alternate metabolic states that may improve not only the symptoms, but also function and quality of life, for people with a variety of difficult disorders. In 2021, Matt and his dedicated team published the world’s first randomized trial of a ketogenic diet in Alzheimer’s Disease.

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