Functional Neurological Disorder Program

Our approach to functional neurological disorder care

Before scheduling a consultation, you should have a neurological evaluation indicating that FND is a likely or suspected diagnosis. Please send us a copy of that evaluation.

We also encourage you to share any prior medical, neurological, or psychiatric records, including results from brain imaging, EEGs, or other testing completed outside of Mass General Brigham.

Providing this information helps our team understand your history and prepare for a comprehensive assessment.

Your first visit will be with a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist, or nurse practitioner with expertise in FND.

During the appointment, we will review:

• Your current symptoms
• How your symptoms began and have changed over time
• Your medical, mental health, social, and family history
• A neurological examination

Based on this evaluation, we will work to confirm your diagnosis when appropriate, provide education, and begin developing a treatment plan. Any additional testing, such as MRI or EEG, will be scheduled separately if needed.

At this time, we provide non-intensive outpatient care for patients with functional neurological disorder (FND).

Care is delivered over time, with different therapies scheduled based on your needs and availability. Most patients see members of their therapy team about once every 1 to 2 weeks. As symptoms improve, visits may be spaced out to allow you to practice strategies at home.

You will also have follow-up visits with a physician or nurse practitioner, typically every few months, to monitor progress and adjust your care plan as needed.

The length of treatment varies for each person and depends on how symptoms improve over time.

Therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy are typically provided over several weeks to months, based on your individual care plan. Short-term psychotherapy is also available and usually lasts 8 to 16 sessions. If you already have an outpatient therapist, we will coordinate care with them when possible.

Most patients see members of their care team about once every 1 to 2 weeks. You will also have follow-up visits with your FND clinician, typically every few months, to monitor progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Most patients are seen weekly or every other week over several months, depending on their care plan.

You will also be an active participant in your treatment. Your care team will provide exercises and strategies to practice at home between visits to support your progress.

Not always. In some cases, our team may determine that another program or specialty is better suited to your needs.

For example, if your primary concern is chronic pain, we may recommend care with a multidisciplinary pain team. If your needs are more aligned with general neurology or mental health care, we may encourage you to continue working with or establish care with providers in those areas.

No. You should continue seeing your regular neurologist, psychiatrist, or psychologist for care not related to FND, including ongoing medication management.

With your permission, we can share clinical notes with your providers to help coordinate your care.