The lecture will commence at 7.00 p.m. and will be preceded by drinks at 6.00 p.m. for those who would like to attend.

A functional neurological disorder (FND) is a medical condition in which there is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body sends and/or receives signals. FND is a condition at the interface between  neurology and psychiatry. It can encompass a wide variety of neurological symptoms, such as limb weakness or seizures and there is considered to be an overlap with other problems such as chronic pain and fatigue. This fascinating talk wil discuss the condition, the evolution of medical understanding in this area and the current limitations in its treatment.  

Dr Christine Burness is a Consultant Neurologist at The Walton Centre. She is joint clinical lead of the Functional Neurology Team and also the Trust Guardian of Junior Doctor Safe Working.

The Walton Centre is the only specialist hospital trust in the UK dedicated to providing comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services and a leader in the treatment and care of neurology and neurosurgery. They have a dedicated Neuroscience Research Centre which runs a range of research studies, linking with partners in industry, academia and the NHS.

Dr Burgess' clinical research includes assessment of outcomes for patients receiving treatment for functional neurological symptoms and she is the Principal Investigator for the Physio 4FMD randomised controlled trial of physiotherapy for functional motor symptoms.