FND Overview
Body
Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND) that describes a problem with how the brain receives and sends information to the rest of the body. This impairment is rooted in the brain's compromised ability to transmit and receive signals, leading to disruptions in lobe function and emotional processing. It’s often helpful to think of your brain as a computer. In someone who has FND, there’s no damage to the hardware, or structure, of the brain. It’s the software, or program running on the computer, that isn’t working properly. Importantly, FND is not secondary to another disorder, and there is no observable structural damage in the brain.
Functional Neurological Disorder Society
The Functional Neurological Disorder Society is devoted to improving lives of patients with a functional neurological disorder. Their goals are to increase awareness and education. The Society is multidisciplinary including neurology, psychiatry, psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation medicine, ophthalmology, neuro-otology and others. We welcome members in all these categories.
Phone: 414.918.9814
National Institutes for Health/National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
The mission of NINDS is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease for all people.
No phone number listed
FND Resources
Body
FND HOPE - Functional Neurological Disorder
A global nonprofit that supports people with FND through education, advocacy, and community-building.
No phone number listed
FND Support and Blog
Provides blog posts and links to support groups for individuals affected by FND.
No phone number listed
NORD - National Organization for Rare Disorders
Provides information and advocacy for people living with rare diseases, including FND.
Phone: 617.249.7300
Patient Guide - Functional Neurological Disorder FND
An easy-to-read guide for patients to learn more about FND and how to manage symptoms.
No phone number listed
Selected FND Books
Body
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Explores how trauma affects the brain and body, and offers strategies for healing through therapy, mindfulness, and connection.
Overcoming Functional Neurological Symptoms: A Five Areas Approach
A practical guide that uses a structured method to help individuals understand and manage symptoms of Functional Neurological Disorder.
Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness
This book teaches mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to help people manage pain, illness, and everyday stress.
These titles are also available in the LIFE Center library collection
This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details.© Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)
Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433
