FND Awareness Day UK Date in the current year: March 25, 2025

The term functional neurological disorder (FND) refers to a group of neurological conditions in which the brain does not send and receive signals properly. It can cause a range of motor, sensory, and cognitive symptoms, including weakness or paralysis, non-epileptic seizures, tremors, spasms, double vision or vision loss, speech problems, anxiety, balance problems, dizziness, chronic pain, migraines, and extreme fatigue. The word “functional” means that the symptoms have no clear cause.

FND symptoms often come on suddenly and can progress rapidly. They tend to fluctuate, with some patients experiencing complete remission one day and a sudden recurrence the next, often triggered by another illness or injury. A key challenge with FND is that the symptoms are real and have a significant impact on daily life, but there is no clear organic or psychological cause. While some researchers suggest unresolved trauma as a potential trigger, approximately 70% of patients report no such history.

As a result, FND occupies an uncertain space between neurology and psychiatry, despite its prevalence, has only recently begun to receive more clinical attention. Diagnosis is difficult because FND can mimic conditions such as multiple sclerosis and certain autoimmune or vascular disorders, often leading to years of misdiagnosis before patients receive appropriate treatment. It also does not show up on blood tests, CT scans or MRIs.

Treatment usually involves a multidisciplinary approach. Physical and occupational therapy can help manage motor symptoms, while medications may be used to treat chronic pain, seizures, headaches, and other associated problems. Tailored cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to help patients with non-epileptic seizures.

However, many patients with FND find it difficult to access treatment because the condition is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, and some medical professionals are reluctant to treat patients with functional symptoms. Although the condition has been known since the 18th century, it is still stigmatized in the medical community.

FND Awareness Day UK was launched in 2017 to raise awareness of FND and advocate for access to specialist care, which is a serious issue problem in most parts of the country. On March 25, patients, their families, healthcare professionals, charities, and other stakeholders from across the UK come together to organize events and spread the word on social media. Their main goals are to support patients with FND and their families, advocate for better access to care, and raise funds for research. Some people with FND share their stories to show others that they are not alone.

In addition to FND Awareness Day UK, there is International FND Awareness Day. Launched in 2013 by the global charity FND Hope, it is observed annually on April 13.