Transcranial ultrasound stimulation of the amygdala! Potentially useful for FND??

Oxford Medical Sciences Division@medsci.ox.ac.uk · 4mo ago

NEWS: Oxford scientists uncover how the brain resolves emotional ambiguity @oxcin.bsky.social scientists find a key emotional centre deep in the human brain directly influences how we interpret ambiguous social cues.

Functional Neurological Disorder is a problem with the nervous system and how the brain and body send and receive signals. This April, FNDcourage is raising awareness. Join us in sharing more about #fnd, breaking down misconceptions, and bringing hope to those affected. #fndawareness #fndcourage

Music isn’t just enjoyable; it can support your brain and body. Research shows it can influence heart rate and breathing, lower stress hormones, activate areas tied to emotion and movement, and support expression, making it a gentle tool for those living with FND. #fnd #nervoussystem #fndcourage

We had a great conversation at our FND & Occupational Therapy Community Event last week. If you missed it, the recording is available. Occupational Therapy can support daily activities, energy management, and nervous system regulation for people living with FND. 🎥 Watch at: youtu.be/7UirzQrm2wE?...

FND and Occupational Therapy

YouTube video by FNDcourage

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Spring is coming—and so is the next FNDcourage Online Course! 🌱 Registration is open for the Spring/Summer session starting May 18. Over 12 weeks, explore practical tools for managing FND, nervous system regulation, and connect with a supportive community. Learn more: www.fndcourage.org/course

When symptoms rise, you might ask, “What do I do now?” Plans differ, but helpful approaches include: reducing sensory input, gentle grounding, and reassurance (from yourself or someone safe). The goal isn’t to stop symptoms, but to help your nervous system feel safe.

Our monthly newsletter shares updates, tools, upcoming events, and real stories from our community. If you’d like to be the first to hear what’s happening and access new resources, you can subscribe on our website at fndcourage.org or through our Linktree: linktr.ee/fnd_courage

FND is a disorder of function, not structural damage. Scans can look “normal” while symptoms are very debilitating. It’s about how the brain sends & receives signals. Education is a first step toward support. If you’re newly diagnosed, what’s something you wish someone had explained sooner? #FND

Join us this March for an FNDcourage Community Event with ReWire OT! Learn how occupational therapy supports people with FND through practical tools for daily life. Free + open to individuals with FND and care partners. Register at: fndcourage.zoom.us/.../reg.../p... #FND #fndsupport

Watching someone navigate #fnd symptoms can leave you unsure how to offer support. Join us February 15th at 7:00pm ET for our Community Event: Supporting a Loved One with FND. We’ll explore practical strategies and nervous system co-regulation techniques. Register: fndcourage.zoom.us/.../reg.../8...

Please help my good colleague Gregg develop a questionnaire about FND. His team are looking for people with FND/carers to take part in a paid 2-hour online focus group. Please consider taking part or sharing. docs.google.com/forms/u/2/d/...

Developing a questionnaire to measure the impact of living with functional neurological disorder (FND)

docs.google.com

Watching someone you care about experience #fnd symptoms can feel overwhelming. You want to help, but it’s not always clear what will be most supportive. Even small gestures and asking first can make a big difference in comfort, connection, and understanding. #FNDcourage #CarePartnerSupport

"Orienting" is a nervous system regulation tool that gently supports safety and awareness. By slowly noticing your surroundings without changing breath, posture, or thoughts, it helps your body settle and reminds you that, in this moment, you are safe.

The FNDcourage Online Course begins in just one week, January 19! This 12-week somatic-based skills course is designed for those living with FND and their care partners. If you’ve been considering joining, we’d love to welcome you. Learn more & register: fndcourage.teachable.com/p/fndcourage...

I was asked by @braincomms to highlight their FND special collection which welcomes clinical and neuroscience research on every aspect of the condition. A chance to reflect on how FND has moved from miscellaneous to mainstream academic.oup.com/braincomms/a...

The Functional Neurological Disorder special collection in Brain Communications: bringing FND into the mainstream

Our Guest Editor, Jon Stone, introduces a special collection of articles focusing on functional neurological disorder.

academic.oup.com

New @neuroimageeic.bsky.social structural brain MRI study in functional cognitive disorder - a collaboration with #NoahSilverberg & colleagues - led by Christi Westlin. Structural brain alterations & predictors of clinical improvement in #FCD after concussion. sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Thank you to Nishi & Stone for highlighting the evolutionary perspective on FND. The FNDcourage course explores in the very first weeks how fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses shape FND and the nervous system and offers practical strategies for regulation and insight. #FNDcourage #FND

Jon Stone@jonstoneneuro.bsky.social · 7mo ago

FND: an evolutionary perspective A short piece exploring an evolutionary perspective, specifically survival responses, to FND. These are not new ideas, but thank you to Akiriho Nishi for suggesting a short, standalone article to encourage wider debate academic.oup.com/emph/article...

As a new year begins, FNDcourage renews our commitment to walk alongside this community with community, education, and trusted resources. Wherever you are on your FND journey, you are not alone. We’re here with care, connection, and hope in the year ahead. 💙 #fnd #fndsupport #fndcourage

As this year closes, hope may not feel loud or triumphant. It may be quiet, tender, or barely noticeable. It may be found in rest, self-kindness, or making it through one more day. If this year took more than it gave, know you are still worthy. Feather-light hope is still singing within you. #fnd

Big or small, every victory counts. Drop a win in the comments. It can be one grounding moment, one small success, or even just a breath of relief. Let’s support those small victories and cheer each other on! #FND #FunctionalNeurologicalDisorder #FNDcourage #FNDsupport

Resilience grows when we notice stress early, respond with self-compassion, and stay curious about what our body and mind are telling us. Small habits such as mindfulness, rest, and connection strengthen the nervous system over time. #resilience #fnd

Registration is open for the Winter 2026 Course! Dr. Afra Moenter, with 15+ years supporting FND, created the FNDcourage Online Course to provide practical tools, nervous system education, and a supportive community to those with #FND and their care partners. Learn more @ www.fncourage.org/course

Thank you to @harvardmed.bsky.social (Harvard Medicine Magazine) for this recent article on #FND. This evidence-based view highlights real brain connectivity differences and supports multidisciplinary approaches for recovery.

Alan Carson@alancarson15.bsky.social · 9mo ago

magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/fun...

Today is a reminder to be kind to others, but also to extend that same kindness to yourself. Take a moment today to be gentle with yourself and reflect on how amazing you are! #WorldKindnessDay #FNDcourage #SelfCompassion #MindfulLiving #KindnessHeals

Functional Neurological Disorder does not mean: * you’re faking * you’re responsible for becoming ill * you could stop it if you wanted * it’s “just anxiety” * that you don’t really have a disability * that there’s no hope

November is a time to pause and reflect on what brings us joy, comfort, and hope. Join us for a gentle, evidence-informed workshop that explores how gratitude can support the mind and body. Visit www.fndcourage.org for more info. #fnd #fndcourage

Mindfulness can help people with FND calm the nervous system, build body awareness, regulate emotions, boost neuroplasticity, strengthen self-regulation, and increase confidence. Small mindful moments and movement each day can make a big difference! #fnd #fndcourage

Join us for a special Thrive Together session with Dr. Afra Moenter, who will explore neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt and change) and why it matters for people with Functional Neurological Disorder. Saturday, November 1st @ 11:00 AM (MT) Register: lnkd.in/gZvKqamM #FND

Sat. Oct 18 at 2 PM ET - Staying Social, an online teen event led by young adults with FND. Connect, share & explore ways to stay social while caring for your nervous system and managing symptoms. 🔗 Register: fndcourage.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

Movement is more than exercise; it’s connecting with your body, supporting your nervous system, and building confidence. In the FNDcourage course, we explore voluntary, involuntary, micro, and macro movements. This week, try gentle mindful movement or even visualizing the moves if it feels too much.