In this Disability Matters episode, Patrick O’Donnell and John Comiskey speak with Eamonn McPartlin, founder and Chairperson of FND Ireland. They discuss functional neurological disorder — an often misunderstood and underdiagnosed neurological condition.
Eamonn, who lives with the motor form of FND himself, explained that the disorder affects how the brain and body send and receive signals. “FND can cause a wide range of symptoms including tremors, functional seizures, speech or swallowing difficulties, cognitive issues, and movement problems,” he said. “For many people, it’s an invisible disability. You could have seizures and still appear physically fine to others.”
FND, he noted, is as common as multiple sclerosis, with an estimated 9,000 people affected in Ireland, but public awareness and access to diagnosis remain low. “It affects three times more women than men, and often begins in young adulthood,” he said. “But treatment options are still extremely limited.”
While some medications may help manage individual symptoms, there is no cure. The gold standard for treatment is a multidisciplinary approach, involving physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychological support, and speech and language therapy.
Eamonn shared his own journey — a delayed diagnosis, misinterpretation of symptoms as Parkinson’s, and the eventual need to travel to London under the Treatment Abroad Scheme to receive care. “It took me four years to get diagnosed. I couldn’t believe there were no treatment services in Ireland for something so common.”
This experience led him to co-found FND Ireland in 2023 with neurologist Dr Aoife Loughlin and advocate Catherine Cummins. The organisation focuses on five key pillars: support, advocacy, awareness, information, and research collaboration.
Their peer support network now includes over 350 members online and in-person meetings in six locations, including one in Blanchardstown. “When people come to our meetings and realise, they’re not the only ones dealing with this condition, it’s powerful,” Eamonn said. “Peer support changed my life.”
FND Ireland also works to dispel outdated and damaging stereotypes about FND, which was historically misattributed to psychological trauma. “Yes, trauma can play a role for some, but FND is now recognised as a mainstream neurological disorder with very real, physical symptoms.”
With the support of the Minister of Health Jennifer Carrol McNei and TDs, the group recently secured funding for Ireland’s first FND clinic, to be based at St James’s Hospital. But the scale is modest. “Imagine if people with MS were told there’s no national service for them, only a four-person team in Dublin. It would be unacceptable,” Eamonn pointed out.
Fundraising remains vital to FND Ireland’s mission. The group recently held a “5K for FND” challenge and is now fielding a team for the VHI Mini Marathon. Supporters can learn more and donate via www.fnd.ie.
Eamonn encouraged listeners not to delay seeking help: “If you or someone you know has FND, know this — you are not alone. Reach out. Peer support is transformational. And together, we’ll continue to push for proper care and recognition.”
Learn more: 🌐 www.fnd.ie 📍 Peer support in Blanchardstown and across Ireland 💜 Advocate. Educate. Empower.