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While being treated for dehydration in hospital, Carmel McConnellogue suddenly found herself unable to move her body. She described a complete loss of sensation in her face and an inability to speak, with everything feeling numb. At first, doctors suspected she might have suffered a stroke; however, an MRI revealed that her symptoms were caused by Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This condition involves a disruption in how the brain communicates with the rest of the body.
McConnellogue admitted she was unfamiliar with FND before her diagnosis and found it hard to believe. She recounted to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme that a doctor explained her brain was “perfect but…like a computer and it has too many tabs open,” leading to what he described as her brain going offline and her body crashing. The medical team at Altnagelvin Hospital in County Londonderry told her that the disorder was likely triggered by stress and trauma. McConnellogue said the experience left her feeling immobilized and anxious about what the future held.
Functional Neurological Disorder affects an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 people in the UK. It impairs the brain and nervous system’s ability to send and receive signals properly. Although its precise cause remains unknown, some specialists believe it may be linked to psychological stress, trauma, or possibly a reaction to viral or inflammatory conditions. Symptoms vary widely and can include limb weakness, paralysis, seizures, difficulty walking, spasms, sensory changes, and cognitive difficulties. The duration of symptoms also differs, with some individuals experiencing temporary episodes and others facing long-term effects. Treatment mainly consists of rehabilitation therapies, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and psychological support.
In her case, McConnellogue lost strength on the left side of her body and found her speech severely affected. Initially, she was unable to move her legs or even wiggle her toes and remained hospitalized for five weeks while therapists worked with her to regain mobility. Describing her previous lifestyle as nonstop activity, she now faces the challenges of physical limitations including using mobility aids and needing assistance with daily routines. She expressed how the diagnosis shook her profoundly and how counseling has helped sustain her. Despite these difficulties, McConnellogue continues to share her experiences online, emphasizing that FND is a genuine neurological condition and encouraging others to know they are not alone, while offering hope for recovery
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