Plot Twist

EP04: The Pain Plot Twist: What Trauma and Attachment Has to Do with Chronic Pain and Functional Neurological Disorder

Episode Summary

In this episode of Plot Twist, Laura Devlin and Becky Loucks speak with neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist Dr. Sabrina Lemire-Rodger about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a real neurological condition that affects how the brain communicates with the body.

Episode Notes

When someone experiences neurological symptoms like weakness, seizures, cognitive changes, or chronic pain but medical tests show no structural damage, the experience can be confusing, frightening, and deeply invalidating. In this episode of Plot Twist, Laura Devlin and Becky Loucks speak with neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist Dr. Sabrina Lemire-Rodger about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a real neurological condition that affects how the brain communicates with the body.

Dr. Lemire-Rodger explains how FND develops when neural communication breaks down despite the brain’s structure appearing normal on scans. The conversation explores how trauma, attachment experiences, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation can influence symptoms. Together, they unpack why FND is often misunderstood, the emotional toll of delayed diagnosis, and the emerging treatment approaches that combine neuroscience, psychology, and nervous system regulation.

In this episode you'll hear…

What Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is and how it affects brain signaling without structural damage
Why people with FND often wait 6–8 years to receive an accurate diagnosis
How symptoms like seizures, paralysis, dizziness, chronic pain, and cognitive issues can appear without visible abnormalities on scans
The connection between trauma, attachment experiences, chronic stress, and nervous system threat responses
Why high-achieving, driven individuals may be especially vulnerable to developing FND symptoms
How symptom feedback loops and nervous system dysregulation can reinforce physical symptoms over time
Practical approaches to recovery including psychoeducation, pacing, nervous system regulation, and emotional awareness

Memorable Quotes

“It is a disorder of communication and functioning of the neuron… the neurons themselves are intact, but there’s a communication breakdown.” (02:06)
“The symptoms are absolutely real and not under any conscious control.” (04:34)
“It’s not an either/or. It’s a both/and.” (16:04)
“The brain is a creature of habit… it’s going to repeat the same patterns unless we deliberately teach it a new way.” (31:09)

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