A Practical Guide to Functional Neurological Disorder Claims

There has been an exponential increase in the number of Functional Neurological Disorder cases litigated in recent times. These cases are often high value claims, arising out of relatively trivial insults. Despite being a relatively common occurrence, it is often overlooked, misunderstood and inappropriately handled.

In order to recognise such cases and to prepare and present them, it is necessary to have a full understanding as to the presentation, causes and practical considerations. It is also important to recognise the potential hurdles, pitfalls and specific needs, peculiar to the case. This guide seeks to provide a practical overview for practitioners: what FND is, how it may be identified within the evidential landscape of a claim, issues of causation and losses and how such cases can be prosecuted and defended, to full effect.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fiona Ashworth has a nationwide reputation for acting in cases involving Chronic Pain Syndromes, Complex Regional Pain Syndromes, Chronic Fatigue Syndromes, Somatoform Pain Disorders, Somatic Symptom Disorders, Bodily Distress Disorders, Conversion Disorders, Functional Neurological Disorders, and Fibromyalgia. She is considered a leading expert on pain and functional disorders.

Fiona has lectured extensively nationwide, organised numerous Pain and FND Seminars, and contributed published articles on the topic. She was a delegate at the Pain Summit at Westminster, a speaker at the medico-legal forum at Peterhouse College, Cambridge in 2015, and 2024. She was also a speaker at the British Pain Society's 50th Annual Conference and at the annual Grange conference for mental health professionals.

CONTENTS

Chapter One - Introduction

Chapter Two - What Is Functional Neurological Disorder?

Chapter Three - Correlation With Psychiatric Conditions

Chapter Four - Correlation With Pain Conditions

Chapter Five - Spotting Functional Neurological Disorder Cases

Chapter Six - Causation

Chapter Seven - Treatment and Prognosis

Chapter Eight - Running and Defending an FND Claim

Chapter Nine - Intermediaries

Chapter Ten - Inconsistencies vs Malingering

Chapter Eleven - Conclusion

Acknowledgements