Yes, medical cannabis for functional neurological disorder (FND) may be an option for adult patients in the UK when related symptoms including chronic pain, fatigue, sleep issues, muscle spasms or tremors, anxiety, and depression are not properly managed with established care options.
While it is not a first-line treatment for FND or any other condition in the UK and is not a cure for FND, medical cannabis can now be legally prescribed to eligible patients as part of a holistic treatment plan by a specialist listed on the GMC Specialist Register.
Your prescribing specialist will first review your medical records and current symptoms, your previous treatments, and your overall health before bringing your case before Releaf’s multidisciplinary review board to consider if a prescription may be appropriate.
If you are found to be an eligible candidate for medical cannabis treatment, a prescription will then be issued. You will be required to attend regular follow-up consultations to ensure your cannabis-based treatment plan remains effective.
What is functional neurological disorder, and is it a real diagnosis?
Functional neurological disorder, or FND, is a real and recognised neurological condition. It affects how the brain and nervous system function, and can lead to a wide range of symptoms such as weakness, tremors, functional seizures, altered sensation, fatigue, chronic pain, mental health concerns, sleep issues, speech difficulties, and problems with movement.
FND symptoms are real, and usually totally involuntary. Historically, patients have struggled with receiving a formal diagnosis, and it was previously referred to as a conversion disorder, but the symptoms are anything but imaginary. Clinicians now look for positive clinical signs identified during a full neurological assessment.
Is FND a mental illness?
No, FND is not a mental health condition. Low mood, anxiety, and depression can coexist with FND, as they can with many other chronic conditions, but they do not make they any less impactful or real.
Which FND symptoms might medical cannabis help with?
FND can and does affect patients in very different ways. For some, the symptoms are mostly related to movement or functional seizures. For others, the most difficult aspects of the disorder may be based in the chronic pain, muscle spasms, fatigue, sleep issues, or the mental health toll it can cause.
Medical cannabis may help certain patients manage some of the symptoms, rather than curing FND itself.
If tremors are one of the more impactful of your FND symptoms, head to medical cannabis for tremors for more information. Many patients with FND also experience symptoms that have an overlap with seizure management, medical cannabis treatment for fibromyalgia or medical cannabis treatment for insomnia.
CBD or THC for FND, what is the difference?
THC and CBD are the two major cannabinoids produced by cannabis plants, and so the two most often discussed when considering medical cannabis treatment options for FND. They work on different pathways in the human body, which is why your prescribing specialist will consider the full range of THC-dominant, CBD-dominant or balanced treatment options when balancing a potential treatment plan.
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Cannabinoid
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What it does
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Symptoms a specialist may consider it for
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Key point
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THC
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THC interacts directly with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system. It is the cannabinoid associated with the intoxicating effects of cannabis.
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Pain, muscle tension, spasms, sleep disruption and anxiety.
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THC can be prescribed in different strengths and formats, allowing a specialist to tailor treatment gradually to your needs.
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CBD
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CBD does not cause intoxication and works through several pathways in the body, including systems involved in pain, mood and inflammation.
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Anxiety, sleep difficulties, pain and muscle tension.
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CBD may be prescribed on its own or alongside THC. The right balance will depend on your symptoms, treatment history and response over time.
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THC and CBD together
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Some prescribed medicines contain both cannabinoids in a balanced ratio. This allows a specialist to consider the potential role of each within 1 treatment plan.
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People managing more than 1 symptom, such as pain, alongside disrupted sleep or anxiety.
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There is no single cannabinoid profile that suits everyone with FND. Treatment is adjusted around the individual rather than broad labels or product trends.
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How does medical cannabis sit alongside physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological therapy?
Medical cannabis for FND is not a replacement for currently established treatments. When prescribed, it is done so to sit alongside options like physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological therapy as part of a wider FND care plan. For some patients, better symptom control may make it easier to participate in other areas of their care, manage their day-to-day activities, and focus on their individual health goals.
Does FND get better over time, and can medical cannabis help with flare-ups?
Yes, for some patients, FND symptoms do improve over time with the right treatment plan, but this is not the case for everyone with FND. Flare-ups are a common occurrence with FND, and while some symptoms may improve during treatment, they can return.
Medical cannabis may help some patients deal with the intensity of such flare-ups, especially when the symptoms include pain, muscle tension, poor sleep or anxiety. Your prescribing specialist will work alongside your current clinical care team, and your medical cannabis treatment plan will be regularly reviewed.
Risks, side effects, and driving on a cannabis prescription
Like any prescribed medicine, medical cannabis has been shown to cause certain side effects. Thankfully, for most patients, these are mild and well managed with dosage and treatment options modifications.
Side effects from medical cannabis include dry mouth, red eyes, changes in appetite, feelings of intoxication, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and issues with concentration. Your specialist will always discuss these with you, review your current medicines, and adjust treatment where appropriate.
Legally prescribed medical cannabis patients may be able to drive while being treated, but you must not drive if you feel your medication is impairing your ability to do so.
For more on this, head to Medical cannabis, the DVLA and prescribed medicines
How to get assessed for medical cannabis for FND in the UK
Start with Releaf’s medical cannabis eligibility checker. It is free, takes less than 30 seconds to complete, and comes with zero obligation to pursue a prescription, helping you understand whether medical cannabis may be a suitable option for your health goals and needs.
If you're classed as potentially eligible, you can make an account with Releaf and book in for an initial consultation with one of the consultant neurologists who make up our world-class clinical team.
To learn more before getting started, see how treatment with Releaf works and review our medical cannabis pricing.
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