Frequently asked questions

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a problem with how the brain and body communicate. The brain’s structure is intact, but the way it sends and receives signals has changed.

The symptoms are genuine neurological symptoms. They aren’t imagined, they aren’t deliberate, and FND is not “all in your head”.

FND is more common than many well-known neurological conditions, and it’s the second most common reason for referral to a neurologist, after headache and migraine (Finkelstein et al., 2025; Fobian and Elliott, 2019). Yet most people have never heard of it.

Yes. About 75% of people with FND are women (Bradlow et al., 2026). A long history of dismissing women’s symptoms is part of why FND is still so misunderstood.

FND looks different for everyone. Common symptoms include:

• weakness in any part of the body, such as one side, both legs or the face
• changes in sensation, such as numbness or pins and needles, and sensitivity to noise or light
• tremor, jerks or changes in walking
• dizziness or feeling unsteady
• changes in speech or swallowing, such as slow speech, a stutter or a hoarse voice
• changes in vision or hearing, such as blurred vision
• brain fog, and problems with memory or concentration
• functional seizures, which can look like epilepsy

Fatigue, pain and poor sleep often come with it, and most people have more than one symptom.

Think of your nervous system as a river, with banks that can only hold so much. Stressors are the rain that fills it, such as a physical injury, stress, sensory sensitivities, trauma, dysautonomia, or poor sleep, diet or exercise. When the river overflows, your nervous system can’t cope and functional symptoms can appear. Treatment works like sandbags that raise your banks. See the river analogy.

Usually there’s more than one factor. A risk factor makes FND more likely, but it doesn’t mean you’ll get it, in the same way high blood pressure raises the risk of a heart attack but doesn’t mean you’ll have one. Risk factors include:

• PTSD or past trauma
• a previous injury, such as a sporting injury or car accident
• hypermobility, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• being female
• neurodivergence, such as ADHD or autism
• depression and anxiety

Many people with FND have no psychological trigger at all. Stress, sleep, activity and the nervous system’s “fight or flight” response can all play a part.

In Australia, FND is diagnosed by a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist or psychiatrist. A GP can’t formally diagnose it. There’s one exception. Physiotherapists trained in vestibular physiotherapy can diagnose persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), also known as functional dizziness, which is a type of FND.

In other words, FND isn’t a diagnosis of exclusion. A normal MRI or EEG on its own doesn’t mean it’s FND. It’s diagnosed on positive signs your doctor finds when they examine you.

Weakness, numbness and seizures can have many causes, so don’t assume it’s FND. If you’re not sure, start with your GP and ask for a referral to a neurologist.

Standard tests like a brain MRI or EEG are usually normal in FND, because the problem is with how the brain’s networks work, not its structure. A specialised scan called a functional MRI (fMRI) can show differences in brain activity in people with FND, but it’s mainly used in research and isn’t part of routine diagnosis.

Yes. A formal diagnosis can take a long time, and Australian treatment recommendations say FND treatment can help even before a diagnosis is confirmed, when FND is the leading working diagnosis (Lehn et al., 2025). We can also help you find someone to provide a formal diagnosis.

Yes. People can and do recover from FND, some of them fully, and it’s never too late to start, however long you’ve had symptoms. Recovery looks different for everyone.

FND has been described for more than 2,000 years, under names like hysteria, shell shock and conversion disorder. Those old ideas, that it only affected women or was “all in the mind”, still shape how people with FND are treated today. Read the history of FND.

• Go easy on yourselves. FND can bring big changes, and grief for how life looked before.
• Take it one day at a time, and focus on one small thing you can do tomorrow.
• Find people who understand. Lived experience groups can help, but everyone’s experience is different, so take what you read with a grain of salt and leave a group if it isn’t helping. We recommend FND Connect Australia, a well-moderated Facebook group for peer support between people with FND.
• Choose health professionals who understand FND. It’s OK to ask what training they’ve done and how they keep up to date.

Monique recommends neurosymptoms.org, a free, evidence-based website about FND written by a neurologist, and FND Australia for Australian support. You can also get our free guides.

Yes. Functional seizures are a type of FND, not a separate condition. Many people have functional seizures alongside other FND symptoms.

No. They can look similar, but they’re managed very differently. Anti-seizure medication for epilepsy isn’t recommended for functional seizures, and can do more harm than good. Treatment focuses on understanding your triggers and what’s happening in your nervous system, often with a psychologist who understands FND, alongside a functional seizure management plan.

Yes, although many people don’t know it. If your functional seizures are severe, Monique may use your first sessions to create your functional seizure management plan, then continue your full assessment in later sessions. She works alongside psychologists when you need one.

A plan that helps you, and the people around you, know what your seizures look like, what helps, and when emergency help is or isn’t needed. It’s also the first step in treatment. Together we find your early warning signs and the mind-body strategies that work for your nervous system, so you can act before a seizure starts.

Most functional seizures are thought to happen during dissociation, when you feel disconnected from your thoughts, your feelings and the present moment. Mind-body regulation strategies help you ground back into your body. They use your five senses (sight, sound, touch, smell and taste). What works is different for everyone, so we find yours together.

Many people find their seizures reduce with this approach, and for some they stop altogether. How long that takes varies from person to person, and depends on things like how long you’ve had seizures and what’s contributing to them.

Call 000. In a medical emergency, or for a first seizure without a diagnosis, always get urgent medical help. We are not an emergency service.

It starts with a holistic assessment of your needs across six areas, which are physical, sensory, lifestyle, autonomic, motor control and psychosocial. Together, you build a recovery plan around your goals.

Monique treats most of these areas herself, including through neurological physiotherapy. When you need more specialised help, she refers you on, for example to a clinical psychologist for trauma or PTSD, or to an occupational therapist for severe fatigue or detailed sensory profiling. About FND Consulting.

• Session 1 (90 minutes): your story. All talking. Your history, how FND shows up for you, your goals and main concerns, and the start of your FND education. If your symptoms are severe, you’ll leave with one or two things to start on.
• Session 2 (90 minutes): assessment. A physical assessment, more FND education and a look at your support network. If fatigue is an issue, this can be split into shorter 60 minute sessions.
• Session 3 (60 minutes): your plan. We bring it together into a recovery plan and start working on your main symptoms and goals.

FND is complex. One session isn’t enough to understand the whole picture, and treating symptoms without knowing what’s behind them is only a band-aid. We recommend booking all three sessions when you start. You pay for each session separately.

You can book one 60 minute session at a time, with no commitment, or choose a 6 session pack if you’re ready to commit. See how sessions work.

A separate service that connects your GP, specialists, allied health, you and your family or carers, so everyone works from the same plan. It usually takes about 30 minutes a week. More about care coordination.

Yes. A support person often helps. For the physical assessment it helps to have a second person with you if you can. If that’s not possible, let us know before your session and we’ll plan around it.

Yes. Monique also supports people with dysautonomia, POTS and ME/CFS, which often overlap with FND, as well as brain health consultations for anyone.

She doesn’t provide stroke or brain injury rehabilitation directly to clients by telehealth.

Client sessions are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9am to 4:30pm Perth time (AWST). If you live in another state, check the time difference when you book.

Yes. Every session is by secure video, so you can see Monique from home wherever you live in Australia, including regional and remote areas.

If something needs to be checked in person, for example if you need your neck assessed, Monique refers you to a trusted health professional in your local area. She works with them directly and builds their findings into your plan.

Research so far is encouraging. Small studies have found similar improvement with physiotherapy by video and in person. See what the research says.

On a more personal note, Monique has helped many people with FND by telehealth over the years, with excellent results. If something needs to be done in person, she finds a local provider with the right skills and works with them, so you get the whole-person care you need.

• Microsoft Teams. Download the Teams app before your first session, on a device that’s up to date. The link is in your booking confirmation email, and you don’t need a Microsoft account.
• A laptop rather than a phone, with a camera and a stable connection.
• A private space with room to move, with your device up to 4 metres away (for the physical assessment) so your whole body is in view.
• For a physical assessment, a second person with you if possible.

Read the telehealth guide.

For many people, it’s better suited to FND. You practise in your own home, with your own furniture, stairs and routines, so skills carry straight into daily life. There’s no travel, which saves energy for therapy, and no noisy waiting rooms or bright clinic lights.

• All consultations: $279 per hour.
• FND, first three sessions: two 90 minute sessions at $418.50 each and one 60 minute session at $279. You pay for each session separately.
• After that: single 60 minute sessions at $279, or a 6 session pack for $1,500 (valued at $1,674).
• Brain health: $279 per hour, starting with a 90 minute initial consultation, then follow-up sessions (usually 60 minutes) if you need them.
• FND Care Coordination: $120 per week for private clients, discussed case by case. NDIS and insurance-funded clients are billed per hour.

All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD). How to book.

If you pay privately, payment is due 2 business days before your appointment to confirm it. You pay for each session separately. If you use NDIS or other funding, invoices are to be paid within 2 weeks.

FND Consulting is provided by a physiotherapist, so you may be able to claim it on private health insurance if your fund covers telehealth physiotherapy. A gap may apply. Check with your fund.

A GP chronic condition management plan may help with Medicare rebates for some sessions. A gap applies. Ask your GP whether you’re eligible.

Yes, if you’re self-managed or plan-managed. Complete the self-referral form rather than booking online.

Getting NDIS funding for FND can be hard. The NDIS generally needs evidence that a condition is likely to be permanent, which usually means showing you’ve already tried the treatments available.

Yes. If you’re funded through workers compensation or the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA), complete the self-referral form rather than booking online.

Not if you’re paying privately. You can book online. If you’re using NDIS, Medicare or ICWA, start with the self-referral form. See all referral options.

Please give at least 2 business days’ notice to cancel or reschedule. For a Monday appointment, let us know by Thursday. Missed appointments and late cancellations are charged the full session fee. NDIS cancellations follow the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements. To cancel, email info@thebrainphysio.com.au. Read our terms.

Anyone who wants to look after their brain, including people who:

• have a parent or partner with dementia, stroke or Parkinson’s, and want to know what they can do
• feel foggy, flat or fatigued, and want to know what might help
• feel well and want a plan to stay that way as they age
• aren’t sure which advice matters most for them

Often, more than people think. The 2024 Lancet Commission estimated that up to 45% of dementia cases, including Alzheimer’s disease, could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 risk factors across the population. That’s a population figure, not a personal guarantee. The Stroke Foundation says more than 80% of strokes are preventable. Your risk isn’t set in stone, even if someone in your family has a neurological condition.

A 90 minute video consultation, at $279 per hour. Monique looks at the whole picture, including your health history, activity, sleep, stress and social connection, finds what matters most for you, and you leave with a plan. Some people then book 1 to 5 follow-up sessions, for example for sleep or fatigue.

No. It’s a consultation about the health and lifestyle factors linked to brain health. It doesn’t diagnose dementia or any other condition. If you’re worried about changes in your memory or thinking, start with your GP.

This consultation focuses on looking after your brain health over the long term. It isn’t rehabilitation for stroke or acquired brain injury.

Whether you can claim depends on your private health fund and your level of cover, so check with your fund before booking. Questions about funding? Email us and we’ll talk you through your options.

Yes. Practical brain health talks for corporate teams and staff wellbeing programs, from a 30 minute talk to a 90 minute workshop. See workplace talks and enquire.

Yes. Monique offers FND training for hospitals, health services, disability providers and support worker teams, and FND case consultations and mentoring for clinicians. Get in touch to ask about training.

Use the health professional referral form, with your client’s consent. Support coordinators and case managers can find their form on the referrals page.

Email info@thebrainphysio.com.au or use our contact form. Admin replies Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm (Perth time). If a phone call would help, let us know and we’ll call you.

Yes. First Nations people are welcome here. Everyone deserves care where they feel respected and understood.

Yes. Everyone is welcome here. The Brain Physio offers the same care to everyone, whatever their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Your personal and health information is handled in line with our privacy policy. With your consent, we share relevant information with your treating team as part of your care.

No. If you need urgent medical help, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.