25-yr-old loses walking ability, develops neurological issues after breakup: Doctor highlights impact of psychological illness

Relationship and the burden it carries is not given any attention in this busy world. The effect of relationships on physical health is not talked about. But, a recent case has shed light on how disastrous psychological illness can be and why we need to take charge of that.
Recently, Dr Sudhir Kumar shared the case of a 25 year old woman who developed neurological issues and had severe difficulty in walking and the symptoms started after she broke up from her relationship. "She had developed weakness of both legs. The weakness was getting worse over time. She was evaluated in detail by a GP, followed by a neurologist. Clinical examination was largely normal. Investigations, including blood work, NCS/EMG, and MRI were normal," shares the doctor, who is popularly known as "hyderabaddoctor" on X.
"Doctors were clueless about the diagnosis. In the meanwhile, Miriam's condition was deteriorating. She required support for walking by 4th month of illness. By 5th month, she became wheel-chair bound, as she could not walk even a few steps without support," he added.

"She was in a relationship with a man of different religion, which was not approved by man's family. Her neurological symptoms had started after the break-up. She had not discussed about this relationship or the break up with her family. The diagnosis was most likely: Functional neurological disorder presenting with motor weakness," posts the doctor.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition where the brain experiences a disruption in its ability to send and receive signals properly, leading to neurological symptoms without a structural disease like a stroke or tumor. It affects movement, sensation, and cognitive functions, often mimicking conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease.
FND can be triggered by stress, trauma, or psychological factors, though it is not purely a psychiatric disorder.
Common symptoms include limb weakness, tremors, seizures (non-epileptic seizures), gait issues, speech difficulties, and sensory problems. These symptoms are real and can be disabling, though they do not stem from nerve damage but rather a functional disconnect in the nervous system.
"Psychological illness can uncommonly present with predominant physical symptoms. Careful history taking and detailed clinical examination hold the keys for diagnosis, as there is no test/investigation that can confirm a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder," Dr Sudhir Kumar urges.