Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Physiotherapy for Children

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in children is a condition where the brain has difficulty sending and receiving signals correctly, leading to symptoms like weakness, tremors, gait issues, dystonia, or seizures, despite no structural damage. Physiotherapy for pediatric FND focuses on restoring normal movement patterns, improving motor control, and addressing the root cause of the symptoms/precipitating factors).
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Key Principles of FND Physiotherapy in Children

• Building client centered functional goals
• Education & Reassurance
• Restoring Normal Movement Patterns 
• Functional Strength & Coordination Training
• Desensitization & Sensory Re-Integration
• Addressing Triggering Factors  
• Return to Activities & Play
• Preventing re-occurrence/maintenance plan

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Common Symptoms Addressed in Pediatric FND Physiotherapy

• Functional Weakness or Paralysis
• Gait Abnormalities 
• Functional Tremors or Dystonia
• Functional Seizures 
• Sensory Disturbances (e.g., numbness, tingling, hypersensitivity, visual and auditory disturbances, pain)

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Why Physiotherapy is Important for Pediatric FND

• Restores Normal Movement & Function to get back to the child’s goals 
• Reduces Anxiety About Symptoms
• Promotes Play-Based & Fun Therapy
• Helps Reinforce Positive Neuroplasticity (Brain Rewiring)

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