What are the signs of functional neurological disorder?

Question

Hello Doctor,

I am an 18-year-old female college student, and I am becoming increasingly concerned about a set of symptoms I have been experiencing. I have a known history of anxiety, but recently I’ve been wondering if I may also have a functional neurological disorder (FND). I have episodes where I experience brain fog, full-body and hand tremors, hot and cold flashes, chest and full-body pain, tachycardia, and ice-cold hands. These episodes often end with me fainting. I also experience tics such as eyebrow twitching and sudden head jerks. These tics started when I was 12 during a traumatic period in my life. Dizzy spells began at 15, and the fainting episodes started the summer before I began college. What worries me is the possibility of being dismissed if I go to a doctor. I fear being told it is all in my head or being asked to stay in the hospital for extensive testing that I cannot afford time-wise, due to my studies.

I would greatly appreciate your guidance. I am hoping for simple, clear answers on what this might be and how I should proceed from here.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to iCliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Based on the symptoms you described, including brain fog, tremors, hot and cold flashes, chest pain, fainting episodes, and tics, it is quite likely that you are dealing with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), possibly rooted in a past traumatic experience during your early years. The connection between trauma and anxiety-related neurological symptoms, including functional neurological disorder (FND), is a possibility and worth further evaluation.

Please do not be afraid to seek medical help or visit a hospital. These institutions exist to support your health and well-being. It’s important to approach this as a step toward healing and better understanding your body.

To move forward, I recommend that you get an EEG (electroencephalogram) test done to assess your brain's electrical activity. This will help rule out other possible causes for your episodes and tics. Additionally, please consider taking 10 milligrams of Escitalopram, one tablet orally once daily for one month. This is a commonly prescribed medication for anxiety and can help stabilize your symptoms.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.