FND and MND are two different types of nervous system disorders. They may cause similar symptoms, such as weakness and numbness. However, FND refers to a neurological condition caused by changes in how brain networks function, whereas MND refers to a neurological condition caused by structural changes in the brain.
The key difference between FND and MND is their impact. FND primarily affects brain function, while MND leads to the destruction of motor neurons, which control skeletal muscle activity.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is FND
3. What is MND
4. Similarities – FND and MND
5. FND vs MND in Tabular Form
6. Summary – FND vs MND
7. FAQ: FND and MND
What is FND?
Functional neurologic disorder (FND) refers to a neurological condition caused by changes in how brain networks work. The symptoms of FND may include seizure-like episodes, movement problems, problems with cognitive function, dizziness, speech difficulties such as sudden onset of stuttering or trouble speaking, problems with vision or hearing, pain, extreme slowness, fatigue, and numbness or inability to sense touch.
FNG can be diagnosed through physical symptoms evaluation, EEG (electroencephalography), and EMG (electromyography). Furthermore, treatment options for FND may include psychotherapy, anti-seizure medications, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS).
What is MND?
MND (Motor Neuron Disease) is caused by changes in the structure of the brain. The early symptoms of MND can include weakness in the ankle or leg, slurred speech, a weak grip, muscle cramps and twitches, weight loss, and difficulty stopping oneself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations. Moreover, MND can be caused by toxins, environmental chemicals, viral infections, intense physical activity, loss of growth factors to developing motor neurons, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative injury to neurons, and excessive excitability of neurons.
MND can be diagnosed through clinical history and examination, EMG, nerve conduction studies, MRI, and other brain scans. Treatment options may include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and medications such as riluzole, which can slightly slow disease progression. Additional treatments include medications to relieve muscle stiffness, manage saliva issues, and provide emotional support through therapy.
Similarities Between FND and MND
- FND and MND are two different types of nervous system conditions.
- Both may cause similar symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, etc.
- Both can be diagnosed by reviewing symptoms and EMG.
- They can be treated through specific medicines and therapies.
Difference Between FND and MND
Definition
- FND is a neurological condition caused by changes in how brain networks.
- MND is a neurological condition caused by changes in the structure of the brain.
Causes
- Stress or mental or physical trauma can trigger FND.
- Toxins, environmental chemicals, viral infections, intense physical activity, loss of growth factors to developing motor neurons, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative injury to neurons, and excessive excitability of neurons can trigger MND.
Symptoms
- The symptoms of FND include weakness and paralysis of the limbs, seizures, tremors and jerks, and other nervous system symptoms.
- The symptoms of MND include weakness in the ankle or leg, slurred speech, weak grip, muscle cramps and twitches, weight loss, and difficulty stopping oneself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations.
Diagnosis
- FND can be diagnosed through physical symptoms evaluation, EEG, and EMG.
- MND can be diagnosed through clinical history and examination, EMG, nerve conduction studies, MRI, and other brain scans.
Treatment
- FND can be treated through neuro-psychotherapy, grounding techniques, pacing, and occupational therapy.
- MND can be treated through occupational therapy, physiotherapy, taking a medicine called riluzole that can slightly slow down the progression of the condition, taking medicines to relieve muscle stiffness and help with saliva problems and emotional therapy.
The following table summarizes the difference between FND and MND.
Summary – FND vs MND
FND and MND are two different types of nervous system conditions that produce similar symptoms. However, FND is caused by changes in how brain networks work whereas MND is caused by changes in the structure of the brain. This is the basic difference between FND and MND.
FAQ: FND and MND
1. What is the main cause of FND?
- The exact cause of functional neurologic disorder is unknown. This condition may be triggered by a reaction to stress or psychological or physical trauma or a neurological disorder.
2. Who is at risk of FND?
- Anyone can get FND. It is usually more common in women and can affect both children and adults. Most people with functional movement disorders begin to have symptoms around their late 30s.
3. What are the first symptoms of MND?
- The early symptoms of MND may include weakness in the ankle or leg, difficulty climbing stairs, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing some foods, a weak grip, and finding it hard to do daily tasks such as opening jars or doing up buttons.
4. Can MND be cured?
- There is no cure for MND. But treatment can help reduce the impact the symptoms on life. These may include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, taking riluzole, which can slightly slow down the disease progression, medicines to relieve muscle stiffness and help with saliva problems, and emotional therapy.
Reference:
1. “Functional Neurologic Disorder.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2. “Motor Neuron Disorder.” NHS Choices, NHS.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Functional neurologic disorder” By Liang F, Xu Q, Jiang M, Feng R, Jiang S, Yuan B, Xu S, Wu T, Wang F, Huang JH. “Emotion Induced Monoamine Neuromodulator Release Affects Functional Neurological Disorders” (CC BY 4.0)
via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Motor Neuron Disorder” By Emily King (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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