Rachael Dodd's sudden onset of neurological symptoms, initially misdiagnosed, reveals the complexities of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This condition, affecting primarily women, causes unexplained physical symptoms like seizures, movement disorders, and sensory loss, without any visible brain damage. While FND remains under-researched, advancements in understanding and tailored interventions offer hope for patients like Rachael to regain control of their lives.
Centuries ago, doctors may have said Rachael had ‘hysteria’. They still aren’t sure what causes her conditionRachael Dodd sat at her desk, staring at her computer screen as random letters in the body of an email vanished from sight.
Her “big episode” came two months later. As Dodd sat on her couch, she felt her right side grow heavy and called for her husband, who found her slumped over. The right side of her face drooping. Dodd couldn’t move her right arm or leg. She was slurring and stuttering, unable to form sentences. “There is so much stigma for people with FND,” said UNSW senior neuropsychiatrist Dr Adith Mohan, who leads the Mindgardens FND clinic at Prince of Wales Hospital.
“One moment I’m fine, and the next I’ve lost function down my right side and have to sit there,” she said.
FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER FND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Centuries ago, doctors may have said Rachael had ‘hysteria’. They still aren’t sure what causes her conditionRachael Dodd has functional neurological disorder (FND): a modern hysteria at the centre of a medical misogyny Venn diagram.
Read more »
Microplastics Found in Human Brains, Raise Concerns About Neurological ImpactA new study reveals a disturbing trend: increasing microplastic contamination in human brains over the past 50 years. Researchers found rising levels of micro- and nanoplastics in brain tissue samples from postmortems, with concentrations six times higher in individuals with dementia. While a direct causal link isn't established, the study highlights the urgent need to investigate the potential health effects of microplastics.
Read more »
United’s functional minimalism offers glimpse of stability Amorim cravesIt may have been an ugly win on a cold, damp night but this performance had a level of control that’s been much needed
Read more »
M&S Launches 'Functional Juices' with Lion's Mane Latte and Reishi ShotsMarks & Spencer (M&S) introduces a new line of functional mushroom-infused drinks, becoming the first major supermarket to offer such products. The range includes a 'lion's mane latte' and 'reishi shots', marketed as adaptogens that can help manage stress, fatigue, and anxiety. The move reflects growing consumer interest in cognitive health and mushroom-based wellness products, with experts predicting significant market growth.
Read more »
BMI Scrutinized After Patient's Weight Loss Plan Leads to Eating DisorderThis news story explores the controversy surrounding the use of BMI as a health indicator after a woman's weight loss plan, based on her BMI, resulted in her developing an eating disorder.
Read more »
Law and disorder: TV king Dick Wolf’s plan to reinvent streamingThe legendary Law & Order producer has delivered his first procedural crime drama for a streaming platform. It’s game on, he says.
Read more »