Functional neurological disorder (FND)
फ़ंक्शनल न्यूरोलॉजिकल डिसऑर्डर (बिना मिर्गी के दौरे / कमज़ोरी)
In functional neurological disorder, the nervous system is structurally healthy but is not working properly — like a software problem rather than a hardware fault.
Symptoms are genuine and not "put on". In India these attacks are often misunderstood as possession or attention-seeking; correct diagnosis prevents years of unnecessary tests and treatments.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Attacks resembling fits, often with eyes closed and longer duration (non-epileptic attacks)
- Weakness or paralysis of a limb
- Tremor, jerks or walking difficulty
- Loss of voice, vision or sensation
Causes
- Changes in how the brain controls movement and attention, often triggered by stress, injury or illness
- Past trauma or ongoing conflict in some (not all) people
Risk factors
- Anxiety, depression or PTSD
- A recent physical injury or illness
- Epilepsy can coexist in some patients
How it is diagnosed
- Positive clinical signs on neurological examination (for example Hoover's sign), not just normal tests
- Video-EEG of a typical attack when possible
- Joint care with a neurologist
Classification: ICD-10 F44.4–F44.7 · ICD-11 6B60Dissociative (conversion) disorders of movement and sensation / dissociative neurological symptom disorder.
Treatment options
- 1A clear explanation of the diagnosis — itself an important part of treatment
- 2Specialised physiotherapy for movement symptoms
- 3Treating anxiety and depression; reducing unnecessary anti-seizure medicines under supervision when epilepsy is excluded
Psychotherapy and counselling
- CBT for FND: recognising warning signs and using distraction or grounding to abort attacks
- Addressing stress, trauma and family responses
Guidance for family
- Respond to attacks calmly; keep the person safe without crowding or fuss
- Avoid both blame ("faking") and excessive attention
- Avoid faith-healing rituals that can be harmful
When to see a psychiatrist
- First-ever fit or sudden weakness — emergency medical care first
- Repeated attacks despite normal tests
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Free self-assessment
A short screening in Hindi or English. Private — nothing is saved. Screening does not establish a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Does a normal EEG or MRI mean nothing is wrong?
It means there is no structural damage. FND is diagnosed by specific positive signs, and the symptoms are real.
Is the person pretending?
No. Symptoms are not under voluntary control.
Can FND get better?
Yes. Many people improve with explanation, physiotherapy and therapy, especially when treated early.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.