Living with FND – Sarah’s Diagnosis Story
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Sarah from Lincolnshire is a mother of five whose life changed suddenly in July 2018 following a severe neurological episode that led to a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
What began with seizures and loss of speech quickly developed into a complex condition affecting her movement, communication, and day-to-day independence. Like many living with FND, Sarah’s journey to diagnosis was confusing and, at times, unsupported — receiving little explanation and having to navigate much of it on her own. Since then, Sarah has shown remarkable determination in rebuilding her life. From relearning basic functions to returning to work and now studying mental health at an advanced level, she has refused to be defined by her condition. Sarah speaks openly about the reality of living with FND — the unpredictability, the emotional impact, and the importance of seeking support — offering an honest and grounded perspective that will resonate with many facing similar challenges. |
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"The neurologist who diagnosed me just said: 'You have FND. Go home and Google it. I'm discharging you.”
About Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition that affects how the brain sends and receives signals to the rest of the body. Unlike conditions where structural damage can be seen on scans, FND is considered a problem with the brain’s “function” rather than its “hardware.” This means that while tests like MRIs or CT scans may appear normal, the symptoms experienced are very real and can include seizures (non-epileptic), paralysis, tremors, speech difficulties, sensory disturbances, and problems with movement or coordination.
FND is increasingly recognised within neurology, but it remains widely misunderstood. It can appear suddenly, often without warning, and symptoms may fluctuate from day to day or even moment to moment. The exact causes are not always clear and can vary from person to person. Because of its complexity, diagnosis and treatment can be challenging, and many people benefit from a combination of neurological support, physiotherapy, and psychological support. Importantly, FND is a genuine condition - and with the right understanding and support, people can learn ways to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
FND is increasingly recognised within neurology, but it remains widely misunderstood. It can appear suddenly, often without warning, and symptoms may fluctuate from day to day or even moment to moment. The exact causes are not always clear and can vary from person to person. Because of its complexity, diagnosis and treatment can be challenging, and many people benefit from a combination of neurological support, physiotherapy, and psychological support. Importantly, FND is a genuine condition - and with the right understanding and support, people can learn ways to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
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Diagnosed podcast: Lee with Julie Carpenter
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Every episode features a guest who has experienced a professional diagnosis — from familiar conditions to rare or complex ones.
Lee interviews men and women living with medical conditions including:
As the series grows, we aim to cover as many medical conditions as possible, building a library of powerful stories that support and guide listeners at every stage of their own journey. |
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Nothing that you'll hear on this podcast is intended to constitute medical advice or even guidance. For that we always recommend you visit your GP or your specialist medical consultant for professional medical advice.
