What Is FND? Understanding Hidden Neurological Disability

You can’t always see a disability. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is one of the most misunderstood and under-recognised health conditions in Australia today — even though it’s surprisingly common.

For the 1 in 6 Australians living with a disability, many experience symptoms that are invisible to others. FND is one of them.

In this article, we’ll break down what FND actually is, how it affects people day to day, and why greater awareness and understanding are so important.

What Is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?

Functional Neurological Disorder, or FND, is a medical condition that affects how the brain and body send and receive signals — without any damage to the brain itself.

This can result in a wide range of neurological symptoms such as:

Seizures or non-epileptic episodes
Limb weakness or paralysis
Tremors, tics, or involuntary movements
Vision and speech issues
Gait and coordination problems
Fatigue, dizziness, and sensory overload

The symptoms are very real and can be incredibly disabling — but they don’t always show up on standard medical tests like MRIs or EEGs.

That’s why FND is often described as a functional disorder. The body’s hardware is fine. The issue is in the “software” — how the brain controls movement, perception, and function.

How Common Is FND in Australia?

It might surprise you to learn that FND is more common than multiple sclerosis and has similar rates of disability to Parkinson’s disease.

According to a 2023 study published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, FND is one of the most common reasons people are referred to a neurologist.

Yet despite this, public awareness is low. And many people with FND face stigma, misdiagnosis, or worse — they’re told it’s “all in their head.”

“But You Don’t Look Sick”: Living with a Hidden Disability

One of the most painful parts of having FND is that it’s often invisible.

Many people with FND look fine on the outside. They may smile, go to work, parent their children — all while managing disabling symptoms in silence.

Because of this, they often face judgment or disbelief. Even well-meaning friends or family might suggest they’re just anxious, tired, or exaggerating.

But FND is real. It’s a serious neurological condition that can affect every part of a person’s life — relationships, employment, mobility, and mental health.

Why Awareness Matters

Raising awareness about Functional Neurological Disorder is crucial for a few reasons:

Early diagnosis matters. The sooner someone is diagnosed, the better their chance of recovery or symptom management.
Understanding reduces stigma. Many people with FND report feeling dismissed or misunderstood by doctors, workplaces, and even loved ones.
It connects people to the right support. FND is treatable with a multidisciplinary approach — usually involving neurologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists.

How You Can Help

Whether you live with FND, love someone who does, or just want to be an ally — here are a few ways to take action:

Learn about hidden disabilities and how they affect people day to day
Share resources from trusted organisations like FND Australia Support Services Inc
Support inclusive workplaces, events, and communities
Challenge stigma when you hear it
Advocate for better healthcare access and disability recognition

Final Thoughts

Functional Neurological Disorder isn’t rare. It’s not made up. And it’s not just in someone’s head.

FND is a real, life-altering condition that deserves real recognition, support, and compassion.

By educating ourselves and others, we can break down the stigma surrounding invisible disabilities — and build a community where everyone feels seen.

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What Is FND? Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder in Everyday Life