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Functional movement symptoms in FND
Functional weakness, tremor, gait problems and dystonia are among the most common FND presentations. They are real, often fluctuating, and frequently improve with specialist physiotherapy approaches.
What this can feel like
A limb that will not move well, shaking that comes and goes, a walking pattern that changes with attention or fatigue, or abnormal postures. Symptoms may improve briefly with distraction and worsen when you try harder — that pattern can be part of FND, not proof of “faking”.
What often helps
- Specialist neuro-physio experienced with functional movement (when available)
- Retraining automatic movement rather than forcing effort alone
- Reducing fear of movement while staying safe from falls
- Addressing pain, sleep and fatigue alongside movement work
- Clear explanation so you are not fighting your own nervous system
At home — while you wait for rehab
Do
- Use walking aids if they reduce falls
- Practise short, calm movement sessions
- Note triggers (stress, sleep, attention)
- Ask for falls-risk advice if needed
Be careful with
- All-or-nothing exercise challenges
- Pushing through pain into collapse
- Comparing every day to your best day
- Ignoring new stroke-like symptoms
Safety first
Call 999 for a suspected stroke, first seizure, severe breathing difficulty or other medical emergency. For urgent concerns that are not an emergency, contact NHS 111 where available or your local urgent-care service. Do not assume new or different symptoms are FND.
Continue overleaf for practical next steps, a personal plan and sources →