DYSTONIA

People with functional Dystonia as a symptom of FND will have a hand that has turned inward and clenched or an ankle that has turned inward. This is a body mapping issue. We don’t as humans consciously know where our body parts are, they just are the map within, and our brain does this connection for us. However and unfortunately, with FND our brains mapping system is off, and it feels to the brain different positions are its normal placement. 

Trying to change its position creates immense pain due to it feeling like it is in the correct position; it feels like you’re breaking it. This is seen within patients with CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome) as well. 

With FND it can be sporadic meaning it can come and go, or it can be fixed meaning in a permanent state. It is up to specialists to work with you on fixing these dystonic states. 

People with FND can also feel really stiff – a neck can be stuck in one position for hours leading to musculature pain and migraine due to nerve compression.