Functional neurologic symptom disorder (1939)

Key points below


What is it?

Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD) is a condition that affects how our body moves and feels.  The mind and body do not work together like normal. It happens when you are not able to cope well with stress. 

The stress can be from:

These stressful events may have just happened or are from the past.

What are the symptoms of FNSD? 

Symptoms may include: 

Your child cannot control these symptoms.  The symptoms are real. They are not due to a medical issue or neurological (brain) problem. They often start when people cannot cope well. These symptoms can be scary.  They make it hard to do normal activities.  This includes doing school work and being with family and friends. 

How is FNSD diagnosed?

A team of providers and special staff will assess your child.  They will see how your child’s body is working.  Tests and x-rays may be done. This will help make sure your child’s symptoms are not from an infection, injury, or medical issue.  They will also see how they do normal activities, like walking, dressing, bathing, and eating.  

A FNSD diagnosis is made when there is no neurological (brain) or medical issue.  It is made based on: 

This diagnosis can be scary and confusing. Your child’s care team is here to answer questions and provide support. 

What should I know to help my child?

Your child’s symptoms are real. Your child is not faking it. They are not making their symptoms happen on purpose. 

How is FNSD treated?

Your child will see different specialists during treatment. One of the most important doctors to help your child is a psychologist. This doctor will help your child learn about and how their thoughts, feelings, and experiences can lead to their symptoms. They will also help you and your child make a plan for what to do when they have symptoms at home or school. 

The goals of treatment are to have: 

People with FNSD are often given medicine.  The medicine helps to manage emotions. The treatment and medicine work together to best treat FNSD. 

The neurologist will also be on your child’s care team. Your child’s psychologist will let this doctor know if there are any changes to your child’s symptoms. 

What happens next?

The care team will provide you with a:

What should I do if my child’s symptoms get worse?

Contact Neurology if your child has a change in symptoms or if symptoms get worse.  Call Children’s Wisconsin Pediatric Neurology Clinic at 414-266-3464 or send a MyChart message.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.