What Is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?
Functional neurological disorder (FND) can be a debilitating condition, and for many patients is completely life changing. FND is described as a problem where the brain is not properly sending and receiving signals to and from the rest of the body. There is often no structural damage to the brain itself, however, it is not properly able to communicate with the body, resulting in a range of complex symptoms. It is a complex condition that is still being researched, and diagnosis is based on recognised clinical features rather than simply being a last resort when standard clinical testing fails to find the answers.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Functional Neurological Disorder?
Common symptoms include:
- Limb weakness
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Dystonia (muscle spasm)
- Gait disorders (difficulty walking)
- Facial spasm
- Tics
- Jerking or twitching
- Drop attacks
- Sensory issues
- Cognitive issues (brain fog)
- Visual issues
- Dissociative symptoms
Clients usually present with a combination of the above symptoms. No two cases are the same; it is rare to find the exact same symptomatic profile in individuals, although there can be overlap. The symptoms expressed may depend upon how the nervous system is functioning. One common symptom is a high level of fatigue, which may be associated with the demands of managing neurological symptoms, especially in clients displaying seizures or dystonia, as the muscles may be frequently spasming.
What Causes Functional Neurological Disorder?
The exact cause of FND is not yet fully understood in medical research. Often doctors will refer clients for scans of the brain, but this doesn’t always give the answers or a solution to the problem. Medications are sometimes prescribed to help manage associated symptoms, although treatment for FND may involve several different approaches depending on the individual.
Functional Neurological Disorder and the Upper Cervical Spine
As Upper Cervical Chiropractors, we look at the connection between what is happening structurally in the spine and how it may relate to the central nervous system. We assess whether structural issues at the upper neck may be relevant to a person’s overall clinical presentation, while recognising that these findings do not establish a cause of FND.
How Do Upper Cervical Chiropractors Assess the Neck and Nervous System?
1. Structural Assessment of the Upper Neck
There are several key factors to assessing whether there may be upper neck involvement in a person’s clinical presentation. First is doing an in-depth structural assessment of the neck. One part of this is putting the neck in different positions to assess the joints and observe how the person responds. If we see symptoms like tremors, spasms, or dystonia increase, this may indicate that further assessment of the upper neck is appropriate. Where clinically indicated, we utilise 3D imaging to assess the positions of the joints and surrounding structures.
2. Neurological Screening and Functional Testing
Second, a full neurological screening to investigate which nervous system structures may be involved. These functional tests are non-invasive and allow us to assess different aspects of neurological function. We also utilise paraspinal thermography as part of our assessment approach, to assess dysfunction in the nerves as they exit the spine.
3. Understanding the Structural and Neurological Findings
This complete structural and neurological assessment allows us to better understand the person’s clinical presentation and consider whether chiropractic care may be appropriate. In some clients, there may have been a trauma to the neck, mild or severe, that has gone unchecked and may warrant further assessment. In some cases, there may be other factors which trigger or contribute to symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with this condition, get in contact with us to learn more about our assessment approach.
How Do Upper Cervical Chiropractors Assess the Neck and Nervous System?
In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of FND clients across our clinics. No two cases present the same, but in our clinical experience, we have observed structural findings in the upper neck in some of these clients.
FND can be a complex condition, and recovery may take time due to the functional changes involved within the brain and nervous system. There are no quick fixes, and appropriate diagnosis, individualised approach and consistency of care are important. Our upper cervical assessments focus on understanding the spine and nervous system as part of a wider picture.
Book a Discovery Call
If you, or someone you know, is struggling and has been given this diagnosis, then book a discovery call with one of our upper cervical chiropractors to learn more about our assessment approach and whether a chiropractic consultation may be appropriate.
Get in touch with your nearest clinic in London, Birmingham, Newcastle, or Edinburgh to arrange a consultation.
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Reference
- NHS Inform. Functional neurological disorder. www.nhsinform.scot. 2023. Accessed 9 November 2026. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/functional-neurological-disorder
- FND Action. What is Functional Neurological Disorder. FND Action. Accessed 9 November 2026. https://www.fndaction.org.uk/what-is-functional-neurological-disorder/
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Functional Neurologic Disorder. www.ninds.nih.gov. 8 January 2024. Accessed 9 November 2026. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/functional-neurologic-disorder
