How FND is Diagnosed
The diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder has changed significantly in recent years. It is no longer a "diagnosis of exclusion" made when other tests are normal. Instead, it is a positive diagnosis based on identifying specific physical signs during a neurological exam.
The Rule-In Diagnosis
The Diagnostic Journey
Explore the different aspects of the clinical diagnostic process. From expert consensus criteria to the specific tests performed during an exam.
Diagnostic Criteria
Understanding the DSM-5 and ICD-11 requirements for FND.
The Neurological Exam
What to expect during your physical assessment with a specialist.
Positive Signs
Common clinical indicators like Hoover's Sign and Tremor Entrainment.
Differential Diagnosis
How FND is distinguished from MS, Parkinson's, and Epilepsy.
Who makes the diagnosis?
A diagnosis of FND should ideally be made by a Neurologist. Because the diagnosis relies on the presence of positive physical signs (not just the absence of disease), it requires a specialist trained in evaluating the nervous system.
Diagnostic Certainty
Many patients feel uncertain after a diagnosis because their scans are normal. Understanding that your neurologist found "Positive Signs" of FND is the first step toward accepting the diagnosis and starting treatment.
Common Concerns
"Could the doctor be wrong?" is a frequent question. Studies show that when a diagnosis of FND is made by a neurologist using modern criteria, the rate of misdiagnosis is extremely low (less than 5%), similar to other neurological conditions.