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“Functional Neurological Disorder?”

In September, I went blind after having a few days of strange vision. I have a history of Hereditary Angioedema, as well as type 1 diabetes. The eye doctor could see no damage, and my eyes were functioning normally at the exam. MRI was clear from damage, however, some of my blood vessels are thinning. They have no idea of why my brain isn’t giving an image.

Last week, my niece (teenager) was paralyzed after having increased instances of seizures. Yesterday, they diagnosed her with Functional Neurological Disorder. As we were learning about this condition, I think this could explain a lot about my own health issues.

My HAE has been very active and debilitating over the last 6 months. I’ve been hospitalized several times, and am on 3 C1-esterase inhibitors at this time. Could the stress from this be the trigger for FND, manifesting as blindness? How do we find answers? What can I try for treatment?

Female | 35 years old
Complaint duration: 59 days
Medications: Tresiba, Fiasp, Trulicity, Ruconest, Icatibant, Takhzhyro, Duloxetine, Diphenhydramine, Famotidine, Cetirizine, Flonase, Doxycycline
Conditions: Hereditary angioedema, type 1 diabetes, chronic idiopathic urticaria, hidradenitis suppurativa

2 Answers

Functional disease is diagnosed by specific finds on the exam, and by testing looking for treatable disorders that could produce the symptoms. Stress , particularly stressful conditions during childhood can lead to a functional disorder in adulthood. Treatment is typically done by a psychologist with “cognitive behavioral therapy “.
Unfortunately, stress can play havoc on your body and can manifest as physical disease.

Vernita D. Hairston, MD
Dept. of Neurology
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