Getting support after an FND diagnosis can be confusing. Your diagnosing neurologist may be able to refer you directly to a suitable NHS service. They may instead recommend that you speak with your GP, who can help coordinate care and consider referrals available in your area.
There is no single referral route for every FND service across the UK. The process and eligibility criteria can vary depending on where you live and which service may be suitable.
Take your diagnosis information
If you have a letter or clinic summary from your neurologist, take a copy or ask your GP surgery to check whether they have received it. This can help explain how the diagnosis was made and what support has already been discussed.
If you do not have a copy, you can ask the neurology department for one. You do not need to collect every test result yourself; the clinicians involved can advise what information is needed for a referral.
Talk with your GP about what support you need
Explain how FND affects your day-to-day life and what you hope help with. For example, you may want support with movement, daily activities, speech, seizures, fatigue or understanding your symptoms.
You could ask:
“I was diagnosed with FND by my neurologist. Could we discuss what NHS support or referrals may be appropriate for my symptoms? If this service isn’t the right one, could you help me find out which service I should contact?”
Your GP may be able to refer you to local services or discuss the options with your neurologist. Some specialist services have particular referral requirements. For example, a service may require a neurologist’s diagnosis or a referral from a specialist. Check the service’s criteria where possible.
If a referral is delayed or declined
People describe different experiences of follow-up and referral after diagnosis. If a referral hasn't been made, or a service says it cannot accept it, ask why and what the recommended next step is. The service may need more information, a different referrer, or evidence that you've tried local support first.
You can ask your GP or neurologist to clarify who is coordinating your care while you wait and whether another local service may be suitable. A declined referral does not necessarily mean no support is available, but it can be difficult to know what to try next.
Referral routes vary
NHS services and pathways differ across the UK, and not every area has the same specialist FND provision. The National Neurosciences Advisory Group’s adult FND pathway describes the range of services that may be needed. Individual services set their own referral criteria, including a neurologist-made diagnosis.
Having an FND diagnosis does not mean every new or changing symptom should automatically be attributed to FND. Discuss new concerns with a healthcare professional so they can advise whether further assessment is needed.