Functional Neurological Disorder
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition where individuals experience neurological symptoms such as weakness, tremors, non-epileptic seizures, gait disturbances, or sensory changes without a structural disease in the nervous system. These symptoms are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, leading to frustration and uncertainty.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help with FND
We take a whole-person, strengths-based approach to support your functional goals and reduce the impact of symptoms. Our interventions are grounded in the latest neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and collaborative goal setting.
Our FND-focused occupational therapy may include:
Education on the brain-body connection and symptom mapping
Movement retraining in a safe, graded, and supportive environment
Breath work, grounding, and sensory regulation for nervous system support
Activity planning and pacing to avoid boom-bust fatigue cycles
Support with communication, cognitive challenges, and executive function
Strategies for balance, coordination, and daily functional tasks
Empowerment through validation, collaboration, and autonomy
Trauma informed care approach
Frequently Asked Questions
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FND is a real and treatable condition where the brain has difficulty sending and receiving messages to the body properly — resulting in symptoms like seizures, weakness, tremors, or walking issues. These symptoms are not intentionally produced and are not “in your head.”
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Occupational therapy helps individuals with FND regain independence, improve daily function, and regulate the nervous system. We address symptoms like fatigue, movement difficulties, sensory overload, and cognitive fog through personalized strategies and functional retraining.
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We support people with a wide range of FND symptoms, including:
Functional limb weakness or paralysis
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)
Difficulty walking or balancing
Chronic fatigue
Sensory disturbances (numbness, tingling, hypersensitivity)
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Emotional regulation and routine disruption
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FND symptoms can sometimes be triggered or worsened by past trauma, chronic stress, or nervous system dysregulation — but not always. Occupational therapists provide trauma-informed care to support both physical and emotional healing.
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Sessions are tailored to your unique symptoms and goals. They may include:
Movement retraining in safe, controlled settings
Breath work and grounding strategies
Activity pacing and energy conservation
Sensory regulation techniques
Functional task practice (e.g., walking, dressing, typing)
Education about the brain-body connection
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Yes! We provide telehealth occupational therapy for FND when appropriate, including education, guided strategies, and support for daily routines from the comfort of your home.
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We meet you with belief, not skepticism. Occupational therapy focuses on what matters to you — not just what’s "medically measurable." We help you rebuild a life that feels functional, meaningful, and sustainable.
Common Challenges with
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Living with FND can affect many areas of daily life — and often in unpredictable ways. At our clinic, we help you address the real functional barriers these symptoms cause, even when traditional tests appear “normal.”
People with FND often struggle with:
Walking and movement difficulties
Including sudden leg weakness, tremors, or changes in gait that limit independenceFunctional seizures (PNES)
Episodes that resemble epileptic seizures but stem from functional nervous system changesChronic fatigue and energy crashes
Difficulty sustaining energy for daily tasks, even with adequate restFunctional limb weakness or paralysis
Affected arms or legs may feel unreliable or "switched off" during stress or activitySensory disturbances
Tingling, numbness, or hypersensitivity in various parts of the bodyDizziness, balance problems, and falls
Many individuals with FND report feeling unsteady or disconnected from their body.Brain fog and cognitive challenges
Trouble focusing, remembering, or organizing thoughts — often worsened by overstimulationEmotional dysregulation and overwhelm
Nervous system dysregulation may cause sudden emotional shifts, anxiety, or shutdowns.Difficulty returning to work, school, or caregiving roles
FND can disrupt routines, independence, and a person’s sense of identity.Feeling dismissed or misunderstood
Many clients come to us after years of feeling like no one believed their symptoms were real. We do.
Our goal is to help you move from frustration to function.
Through individualized, holistic occupational therapy, we work with your symptoms — not against them — and support you in building a meaningful and manageable daily life.
What are you waiting for?
Take the first step for better control – call for your free consultation now!