The number of people in Pinchbeck with a neurological condition has inspired a parish councillor to help set up an event raising awareness of it for people in Lincolnshire.
Parish councillor John Smith was surprised how many people in the village had Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) .
Hosting a health event led to him getting involved with FND Awareness Day held on Tuesday (March 24).
“FND is a brain network disorder that encompasses a diverse range of neurological symptoms including limb weakness, paralysis, seizures, walking difficulties, spasms, twitching, sensory issues and more,” said Coun Smith, after speaking to four people with the condition at the recent health event in Pinchbeck.
“It can affect people of any age and for many people the symptoms are severe and disabling and can often be life changing.
“For people with FND the basic wiring of the nervous system is intact, but there is a problem with how the brain/nervous system is “functioning”, and how the brain fails to send and/or receive signals correctly.
“It has been suggested that approximately one third of outpatient neurology clinic attendances are patients reporting functional symptoms.
“Many patients say that they find it difficult to get information, diagnosis and treatment for FND and many professionals state that they have limited knowledge of the condition.
“We want change this for the people of Lincolnshire and let them know what is available to help them.”
The awareness event will now take place at Bourne Corn Exchange on July 4 from 10am to 3pm.
It will bring together people who have been diagnosed with FND, their carers, NHS and Local Authority workers and voluntary sector organisations to share information and learn from each other.
Senior Leadership from Lincolnshire ICB (Martin Fahay (Chief Nurse) and Public Health Assistant Director (Andy Fox) have agreed to speak and co-chair the event.
Other speakers include consultant neurologists, neuro physios, Healthwatch Lincs, people with FND and carers plus many others.
Keith Spurr, chair of Stamford Health Education and Awareness Charity which is funding the event said “we are delighted to be working with representatives from the FND community, health and social care workers to deliver this co-produced event.”
