International Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Awareness Day

(The Brain’s inability to send and receive signals properly rather than a disease) 

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a condition where the brain and body miscommunicate, causing various neurological symptoms without any clear physical issue. Also referred as “Mysterious Brain Disorder”.  

International FND Awareness Day is held every year on April 13 and was first celebrated in 2013. It aims to promote awareness, support patients, and help advance research for the prevention as well as treatment of ‘FND’ or ‘Functional Neurological Disorder. 

Common Symptoms

Functional Neurological Disorder symptoms are often described as appearing suddenly and progressing rapidly.  

• Some kind of trauma, Paralysis and functional weakness, sensory disturbances low coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain, chronic pain and altered cognitive functions. 
• Unusual headaches and Migraines, restless leg syndrome, sleep disorder, speech problems, visual changes, and many more.  

Neurological conditions, disorders, and injuries that are the major cause of disability in Canada may lead to long-term challenges that can limit the functioning of the body. 

Who are at risk of functional neurological disorder?

People who have experienced psychological or physical trauma have a higher risk of developing FND. This includes people having a history of childhood abuse, family dysfunction, anxiety, depression, exposure to violence, physical injury, and infectious illnesses, etc.

Neurological Disease Facts

• An estimate 3.6 million Canadians are affected by neurological conditions. In the next 20 years, there will be a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with certain types of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. 
• Some of the studied conditions (like brain or spinal cord tumors and injuries, dystonia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and migraine), first impact Canadians in their late 20s and 30s. 
• More than 1 billion people throughout the world are affected by some type of neurological disease. This includes a wide range of long-term disabilities such as epilepsy, learning disabilities, neuromuscular disorders, autism, brain tumors, and cerebral palsy.  
• The other conditions may be caused by tumors, degeneration, trauma, infections, or structural defects. Depending on where the damage takes place, determines to what extent communication, vision, hearing, movement, and cognition are impacted. 
• Headaches are one of the most common neurological issues. Some other major reasons include migraines, stroke, epilepsy, and dementia. 
• A traumatic brain injury can be the result of a major shock or injury to the head. Real physical injuries caused to the brain or spinal cord can also be responsible. 
• Everyday activities like waking up, breathing, thinking, reading, remembering, and feeling emotions are disturbed. 
• The impact of neurological conditions on work productivity is important. Permanent unemployment among those with a neurological condition is 12 times higher than in the general population.   

Treating Functional Neurological Disorder

Effective treatments are tailored to individuals diagnosed with FND which include: 

• Medications 
• Mindfulness practices 
• Psychological Therapy 
• Physical, speech, and occupational therapy  
• Grounding (Deep freeze, raisin tool, breathing) technique to manage seizures and many more. 

Learn more about understanding the Neurological Conditions in Canada. 

For more any information, questions, or submit a request please contact Awareness Team