Getting Back on Track


With Functional Neurological Disorder you can have a good life and you can still reach all your dreams and goals. It will be hard work and it will include a lot of ups and downs, it will be a long term condition that requires long term management. We want you to never give up, no matter how hard things seem for you right now, things can and will get better.


Driving if you are having seizures is not an option, so if this is the case, sadly you would not be able to continue driving, more importantly for your own safety. You would need to inform the DVLA of your situation and be open and honest. In cases where your symptoms are mild, for instance if you have sensory symptoms such as buzzing and burning pain across the body, if this does not affect your coordination and judgement, you may be able to continue to drive. You need to have a very honest and open discussion with your GP.


Your diagnosis should not stop your education and career plans, for instance universities and employers have to comply with a variety of disability law. They should always make necessary adjustments to the workplace or your education venue to ensure you can continue to live a normal life and do everything, you want to do.


Healthy living is vitally important and eating a diet that is full of multi vitamins and minerals is of vital importance to help your body recover. This incorporates swapping sugary snacks for healthy alternatives, such as having rolled oats porridge with blueberries for breakfast and having spring water instead of sugary drinks. It has limited research but eating foods that are anti-inflammatory is also meant to be helpful which includes green leafy vegetables, nuts like almonds and walnuts and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna.


It can be hard to stay motivated when you have such a variety of worrying symptoms. However, trying to incorporate some physical exercise can be of vital importance. Even if this includes a small 15 minute walk, if you have muscle weakness it may be helpful to have a carer or friend to be with you.


Life does not have to stop and you can still try and get out and travel. It may cause a lot of anxiety, if you cannot drive, going on the bus for a short period may help get your confidence back. You could travel with a friend or if not you could ensure you have a relevant band or awareness card around your neck, so people are aware of your condition. It is helpful to plan your journey in advance, so you know where you are going and how accessible the journey will be, to minimise stress on the day you will be travelling.


We really care about everyone and we know how tough it can be getting a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder. It can be very hard but on the days you are feeling depressed, tell yourself you can do this, you can carry on and you can get better. Having days doing nothing and watching comedy movies, can be helpful. You may also want to try counselling, the NHS may have long waiting lists, however by making relevant Google searches for counsellors in your area, you may find someone who can see you within around 2 weeks. You could also try take up additional hobbies such as arts & crafts, knitting and there is a lot of specialist hobbies such as disabled photography, disabled gardeners which can be helpful.