Perspectives on FND is a national event that aims to raise awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder – a surprisingly common neurological condition about which little is known.
Described as a dysfunction of the nervous system, FND affects how the brain and body sends and/or receives signals. People with FND can experience a wide range and combination of symptoms that are physical, sensory and/or cognitive.
FND can affect any part of the body’s function: breathing, speech, voluntary and involuntary movement (gross and fine motor), bladder and bowel function. It can also affect cognitive function (including attention and memory) and sensory function including interoceptive and proprioceptive information (such as sight, hearing, smell, touch, pain, balance, thermal regulation).
Introducing our panel
Nerine Williams will be hosting the event, drawing on her lived experience of Functional Neurological Disorder. Nerine is the founder of FND Living, a small volunteer-led organisation providing practical support to the FND community in Brisbane.
Dr Hui Quek is a Clinical Psychologist with a clinical interest working with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). She takes an integrative clinical framework in helping adults with FND and comorbid mental health issues. Her practice incorporates cognitive behavioural strategies, mindfulness training, positive psychology, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), neuroscience, and somatic/body-based strategies.
Dr David Palmer is a movement disorders neurologist at Nambour and Sunshine Coast University Hospitals with a clinical and research interest in functional neurological disorder (FND). His current research focuses on mechanisms of brain processing that might cause FND, as well as developing and spreading new treatment methods for the condition. He was a founding member of New Zealand’s first multidisciplinary FND treatment clinic, and is currently the neurologist for the Sunshine Coast multidisciplinary FND treatment clinic.
Who should attend?
This event is open to anyone wishing to understand more about Functional Neurological Disorder. We particularly encourage medical and allied health professionals and students, people within the disability sector, government agencies and anyone in the FND community to attend.
How can I attend?
This event is being held physically in Brisbane but broadcast nationally to ensure equitable access, including to those in rural and remote Australia.
This year’s event is free, however there are a limited number of tickets available.