Charities Come Together for FND Awareness Day UK

Seven charities and patient support groups from across the UK have come together with a single goal in mind, to raise awareness for the little-known yet common condition Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), including Non Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD). The 25^th March 2018 will see a flurry of activity for the second FND Awareness Day UK around the theme #Voices4FND

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) encompasses a diverse range of symptoms including functional limb weakness and movement disorders, functional and dissociative attacks, sensory problems, cognitive problems, visual and speech symptoms. 

Whilst the symptoms may appear similar to neurological diseases including those of Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Epilepsy, and are associated with similar levels of disability and distress, they are not caused by structural disease of the nervous system. Instead, it is a problem with how the nervous system is functioning. The condition affects men, women and children of all ages and is commonly seen in neurology clinics. 

However, there is very little awareness amongst the medical profession and even less amongst the general public. The awareness day will make a big difference. 

The initiative is being led by two charities, FND Action and FND Dimensions and includes another charity, FND Friends and the patient support groups Friends in NEAD, Younger FND Fighters, Functional Neurological Disorder and Functional Movement Disorder.

Based around the #Voices4FND theme, the charities are asking people to get involved by taking a short video (up to 7 minutes) of themselves talking about any aspect of FND or NEAD and then sharing it across social media or other sources. This includes people who has been diagnosed, carers, friends, medical professionals, service providers, or even just members of the public who wants to support the cause. Other awareness activities will be taking place on and around the day.

By joining together with one voice, it is hoped that FND Awareness Day UK will shine a bright light on this little-known condition.

To find out how you can get involved and to learn more about the charities taking part, visit www.fndaction.org.uk.