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Functional Neurological Disorder

Therapeutic Interventions for Adult Functional Neurological Disorders at Hobbs Rehabilitation

Hobbs Rehabilitation provides a multidisciplinary service working with people to improve their lives with, and sometimes overcome, functional neurological disorders.

Functional neurological disorder describes neurological symptoms like limb weakness, tremors, numbness related to the movement and sensation parts of the nervous system. It can also involve functional seizures, which are episodes that resemble epileptic seizures but are not caused by epileptic activity in the brain. 

The brain’s structure is intact, but the way it is operating is disrupted.

FND motor-limb changes and functional seizures reflect a functional disruption in brain–body communication, often, but not always, occurring in the context of heightened stress, trauma, emotional overload, or altered nervous-system regulation. 

Our Functional Neurological Disorder Service is designed for adults who have received a formal diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and are seeking specialist treatment.

We accept referrals for adults experiencing motor-type Functional Neurological Disorder, including:

  • Limb weakness affecting the arms or legs
  • Movement difficulties related to FND
  • Functional motor symptoms impacting daily life

 

We also provide a specialist outpatient service for adults experiencing Functional Dissociative Seizures (FDS), also known as:

  • Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD)
  • Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)

 

Before you begin an initial assessment, our clinicians will ask for relevant background correspondence and, with your consent, may liaise with previous or current treating teams to ensure appropriate and coordinated care.

At Hobbs Rehabilitation, our treatment for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is multidisciplinary, personalised, and formulation-led. We provide specialist therapy for both motor Functional Neurological Disorder and Functional Dissociative Seizures (FDS).

To be eligible for the functional neurological disorder service, patients must fulfil ALL of the following criteria:

  1. You must have a formal diagnosis of FND (e.g. limb weakness FND or Functional Dissociative Seizures) made by a neurologist/psychiatrist ruling out other explanations. Our therapists ask to see background letters and have consent to contact previous treating teams before we set dates for an initial assessment.
  2. The diagnosis and diagnostic reasoning must have been explained to you, and you must indicate understanding and acceptance of it
  3. We will require your consent to share relevant background correspondence and, where appropriate, consent for liaison with previous or current treating teams before commencing therapy
 
Individuals should also be able to attend a Hobbs Rehabilitation outpatient centre.

Psychological treatment for Functional Dissociative Seizures (FDS) and treatment for motor-type limb weakness FND (MT) at Hobbs Rehabilitation is bespoke and formulation-led. Our initial assessments and interventions often involve more than one therapy discipline (e.g. Physiotherapy, Neuropsychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy). Our service is not necessarily protocol-driven. Therapy is tailored to the individual and reflects the understanding that FDS and MT FND involve a wider understanding of the mind and the body, and how these interact.

Motor-Type Limb Weakness FND

Therapy follows current guidance and aims to:

  • Support gradual, safe increases in movement
  • Help individuals rely less on equipment while pursuing personal goals
  • Understand how thoughts, behaviours, and life demands influence physical progress
  • Restore functional movement and independence

 

Functional Dissociative Seizures (FDS)

Therapeutic interventions aim to:

  • Support understanding of seizures and their mechanisms
  • Identify triggers and early warning signs
  • Promote behavioural change and relapse prevention

 

Treatment may also integrate:

  • Trauma-informed and stabilisation-based approaches
  • Education about dissociation, arousal, and seizure mechanisms
  • Emotional regulation and grounding strategies

 

Evidence-Informed Care

While the evidence base for psychological treatment of Functional Dissociative Seizures and Motor-type FND is still developing, it is a growing field with increasing international attention. Our approach reflects a commitment to delivering the best available, evidence-informed care, while remaining thoughtful, transparent, and responsive to emerging research, and to supporting individuals as effectively as possible within an area of clinical practice that continues to evolve.

Let's Get Started

We accept self-referrals and referrals from Consultants, General Practitioners, other Health Care Professionals and Case Managers, with this service available at the following Hobbs Rehabilitation centres:

Alternatively, call us on 01962 779796 to talk with our team or fill out our enquiry form on our contact page.

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