Exploring Causes of Functional Neurological Disorder

If you’ve ever heard the term “Conversion Disorder,” you might be surprised to learn that it’s now considered outdated. Today, medical professionals use the term Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) to describe a group of symptoms that affect how your brain and body function—without showing structural damage on scans.

I remember the confusion when I first heard both terms. Were they the same thing? Was one more serious than the other? The truth is, Conversion Disorder was once used to describe neurological symptoms that couldn’t be explained by traditional medical tests. But over time, researchers realized that this label didn’t capture the full complexity of what people were experiencing.

Now, with advances in neuroscience and a deeper understanding of brain function, the term Functional Neurological Disorder has taken its place. FND reflects a more accurate, compassionate, and science-based approach to these symptoms. It acknowledges that the brain is misfiring—not broken—and that the symptoms are very real.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what we know about the causes of FND, how trauma, illness, and chronic pain may play a role, and why the shift from Conversion Disorder to FND matters for anyone seeking answers.

Let’s explore the roots of this condition together—with clarity, empathy, and hope.

Trauma and Triggers

One of the most talked-about causes of functional neurological disorder is trauma. And I’m not just talking about physical injuries—emotional trauma plays a huge role too.

You might have gone through something deeply unsettling, like a car accident, abuse, or the loss of someone close. These experiences don’t just affect your emotions—they can leave a lasting imprint on your nervous system.

When I reflect on my own journey, I realize that certain symptoms started after a particularly stressful time in my life. I didn’t connect the dots at first, but eventually, it made sense. My body was reacting to emotional overload in ways I couldn’t control.

Researchers believe that trauma can disrupt the brain’s ability to process signals correctly. This disruption may lead to neurological symptoms that seem to appear out of nowhere. You might feel numbness, weakness, tremors, or even experience non-epileptic seizures.

It’s not “all in your head.” It’s your brain trying to cope with something overwhelming. And that’s a powerful realization.

The Neurological Web

Another possible cause of functional neurological disorder is a previous neurological event. This could be something like a stroke, an infection, or even a brain tumour. I’ve spoken to people who developed FND symptoms after recovering from a serious illness. Their scans looked normal, but their bodies told a different story.

The brain is incredibly complex. When it experiences trauma or illness, it sometimes rewires itself in unexpected ways. This rewiring can lead to symptoms that mimic other neurological conditions—even when there’s no structural damage. For example, someone might have tremors or difficulty walking, but their MRI shows nothing unusual. That’s the puzzle of FND. The symptoms are real, but the cause isn’t always visible (at this time).

I’ve learned that the absence of physical damage doesn’t mean the symptoms aren’t valid. It means we need to look deeper—into how the brain functions, not just how it looks.

Chronic Pain and the Brain’s Response to Discomfort

Let’s talk about pain. Chronic pain is exhausting, and it can do more than just wear you down physically—it can affect your brain’s functioning too. Conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, or chronic back pain can trigger neurological symptoms. You might start experiencing numbness, tingling, or even movement issues.

I’ve had days where my pain was so intense that my body just shut down. I couldn’t move properly, and my speech felt slurred. It was scary, but it wasn’t random.

Pain and the brain are deeply connected. When your body is in constant discomfort, your nervous system can become hypersensitive. This hypersensitivity may lead to functional symptoms that seem unrelated but are actually part of the same puzzle.

Understanding this connection helped me approach treatment differently. I started focusing not just on the pain itself, but on how my brain was processing it.

The Role of Genetics, Environment, and Life Experiences

Sometimes, the causes of functional neurological disorder aren’t clear-cut. You might not have experienced trauma or illness, and yet the symptoms still appear. That’s where genetics and environment come into play. Researchers believe that some people may be more predisposed to developing FND due to their genetic makeup. Add to that environmental stressors—like high-pressure jobs, family conflict, or ongoing anxiety—and you’ve got a recipe for neurological disruption.

It’s not always one thing that causes FND. Often, it’s a combination of factors that build up over time. Your brain and body reach a tipping point, and symptoms emerge. This understanding helped me stop blaming myself. It’s not about weakness—it’s about how complex and sensitive our systems really are.

The Unknowns: When the Cause Remains a Mystery

Here’s the truth: not every case of functional neurological disorder has a clear cause. And that can be incredibly frustrating. You might go through every test, every scan, and still come up empty-handed. Doctors might shrug, unsure of what to tell you.

I’ve been there. I’ve asked, “Why is this happening?” and gotten no answers. But I’ve learned that not knowing doesn’t mean you’re imagining things.

FND is a functional disorder, which means it’s about how the brain works—not whether it’s damaged. And sometimes, the dysfunction doesn’t have a clear origin.

That’s why ongoing research is so important. Scientists are exploring new ways to understand brain function, emotional regulation, and the mind-body connection.

In the meantime, you can focus on managing symptoms, building support, and staying informed. You don’t need a perfect explanation to start healing.

Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment with Compassion

Getting diagnosed with functional neurological disorder can feel like stepping into the unknown. You might feel relieved to have a name for your symptoms—but also confused about what comes next. Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. It often involves a combination of physical therapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

I started with dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), which helped me understand how my thoughts and emotions affected my symptoms. Then I added gentle movement exercises to retrain my body.

Some days were hard. I doubted the process. But over time, I saw progress.

The key is compassion—toward yourself and from your healthcare team. You need doctors who listen, therapists who understand, and friends who support you.

You’re not broken. You’re navigating a complex disorder with courage and resilience.

What You Can Do Today

If you’re living with functional neurological disorder or suspect you might be, here are a few steps you can take:

• Track your symptoms: Keep a journal to identify patterns and triggers.

• Seek specialized care: Find professionals who understand FND and its causes.

• Educate yourself: Read, ask questions, and stay curious about your condition.

• Practice self-care: Rest, nourish your body, and prioritize mental health.

• Connect with others: Join support groups or online communities for shared experiences.

You don’t have to figure everything out today. Just take one step forward.

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Final Thoughts on Causes of Functional Neurological Disorder

Functional neurological disorder and Conversion Disorder are complex, mysterious, and often misunderstood. But they’re also deeply human. Your symptoms are real. Your experience matters. And your journey toward understanding is valid.

Whether your FND was triggered by trauma, illness, pain, or remains unexplained, you deserve support, compassion, and clarity. I’ve learned that healing isn’t just about fixing symptoms—it’s about rebuilding trust in your body and mind.

So keep asking questions. Keep seeking answers. And know that you’re not alone.

Together, we can shed light on these disorders, explore their causes, and create a future filled with resilience and hope.

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Key Takeaways

• Conversion Disorder is now recognized as Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) - The term “Conversion Disorder” is outdated; FND reflects modern understanding of brain function and symptom origins.

• FND can be triggered by trauma, illness, or chronic pain - Emotional stress, neurological events, and long-term physical discomfort may disrupt brain signalling and lead to functional symptoms.

• Some FND cases have no clear cause, adding to the mystery - Even with advanced testing, many individuals experience symptoms without a known trigger, highlighting the complexity of FND.

• Healing begins with compassion, education, and personalized care - Understanding FND’s causes empowers you to seek support, explore treatment, and navigate your journey with resilience.