A Suffolk woman's life was turned upside down by Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that affects the brain and nervous system's ability to send and receive signals. Hannah Dickerson, once a fit and active majorette, now relies on a wheelchair or crutches and needs assistance with daily tasks. She shares her story, highlighting the challenges of living with FND, including fatigue, speech difficulties, seizures, and mobility issues. The disorder, which affects an estimated 50,000-100,000 people in the UK, has left Hannah feeling like a burden and struggling to adapt to her new reality. The underlying cause of FND is unknown, but it may be linked to stress, trauma, or viral infections. Mark Edwards, a professor of neurology, emphasizes its significant disability and similarity to conditions like Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. Hannah's health rapidly declined in March 2022, starting with loss of feeling in her legs and spreading to her arms and hands, making it difficult for her to speak. After a long wait, she was diagnosed with FND, a condition that was initially unfamiliar to her. The article discusses the limited access to diagnosis, rehabilitation, and care in the UK, with many patients facing long waiting lists and inadequate support. The FND Action charity calls for equitable pathways to ensure proper care for those diagnosed. Hannah's experience reveals a stigma surrounding FND, as she had to seek a private neurologist for a diagnosis, and then struggled to receive adequate support from the NHS. Her family, particularly her dad, Peter Lenney, has been a source of encouragement and support. Mr. Lenney expresses frustration with the NHS's limited resources for FND patients, while Hannah acknowledges the complexity of the condition and the ongoing challenge of finding effective treatments. Despite the difficulties, there is hope on the horizon. The Department of Health and Social Care has committed to improving care for FND patients, including funding research. NHS England has recognized FND as a core neurology sub-speciality, setting new national standards for diagnosis and treatment. Professor Edwards highlights the potential for recovery, emphasizing the importance of access to quality care and treatment. Hannah is exploring private treatments, such as electric shock stimulation, with mixed results. She remains hopeful, inspired by others who have regained some independence, and questions why her recovery cannot be the same.
