Hobbs Rehabilitation Winchester and our Intensive Neurotherapy Centre in Bristol are championing their service for patients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
Using a holistic approach with our multidisciplinary team, our FND service supports patients to manage their symptoms, encourage their confidence and work towards meaningful goals.
“The treatment of Functional Neurological Disorder is receiving much more attention now from researchers and clinicians but there has been good quality research on effective treatments over the years. At Hobbs-Winchester, we have had our service for limb-weakness FND for some seven years, so have built up experience helping those with the diagnosis work towards their goals. We remain mindful of the building evidence in the field and keep our treatments up to date” – Dr Ben Papps, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist and Head of Neuropsychology at Hobbs Rehabilitation
What is FND?
FND describes neurological symptoms caused by problems with the way the nervous system works. Those with the diagnosis experience a range of significant symptoms, ranging from limb weakness to functional seizures. Importantly, the diagnostic process has not identified any physical damage to the brain or nervous system in people with this condition.
There is evidence that multidisciplinary therapy can help those with the diagnosis manage their symptoms in order to improve their everyday lives.
Our Multidisciplinary FND Service at Hobbs Rehabilitation
Our FND service in Bristol and Winchester offers a specialised, multidisciplinary outpatient program designed to help adults manage and improve the physical and emotional challenges linked to limb-weakness FND.
Our Intensive Neurotherapy Centre in Bristol also supports people living with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), a chronic balance disorder often triggered by an inner ear issue, typically following an injury to the vestibular system.
These neurological conditions can lead to a wide range of symptoms, which is why our approach to rehabilitation is comprehensive and tailored to individual needs. We support a variety of evidence-based treatment methods to promote the recovery and well-being of our patients.
Clinical Neuropsychology: Clinical Neuropsychologists at Hobbs work closely with other therapists to help clients understand the role of thinking, emotions and subtle behaviour changes in the maintenance of symptoms and can work with clients to help them make changes to their lives in line with what is important to them.
“There can be a misconception that the involvement of a Clinical Neuropsychologist in limb-weakness FND treatment means that it is “all in the mind”. This is emphatically not the case. We know that the brain controls movement as well as how we think and behave so solutions can involve looking at the interaction. We explore the elements of people’s lives, their subtle behaviours and thinking patterns that can, sometimes (not always), affect the main FND symptom. We focus on helping people make practical changes in these areas if needed.” – Dr Ben Papps, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist and Head of Neuropsychology at Hobbs Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy: Our Specialist Neurological Physiotherapists work with the person to develop physical strategies which focus on automatic movement and graded exercise in order to address realistic physical goals.
Occupational Therapy: Our Occupational Therapists help patients regain independence and improve everyday tasks impacted by FND. By working closely with each individual, the team will identify challenges, create unique activities, and develop personalised coping strategies, such as energy conservation and activity pacing, and use this to incorporate this into their everyday routine. Repetition in a positive way, reinforcing the ability to achieve independence and an overall high level of functional performance.
Why Choose Our FND Service?
Our FND service is specially designed for adults who have been diagnosed with limb-weakness FND by their Neurologist or Neuropsychiatrist. We know that each person’s experience with FND is unique, which is why our approach focuses on creating personalised, achievable goals in collaboration with every patient. From the very first assessment, our dedicated therapists take the time to understand each individual’s specific needs and craft a bespoke therapeutic plan to support their journey.
We believe in taking a holistic, compassionate approach that addresses both the physical and emotional challenges of FND. By setting realistic goals and maintaining open communication, we empower our patients to make gradual, sustainable improvements, boosting confidence and independence along the way.
If you are interested in starting your rehabilitation journey with our FND service, or would like to learn more, contact [email protected] or visit our CONTACT page.