Country star Lisa McHugh opens up about ‘very difficult' weeks after receiving medical diagnosis
She revealed she has had to undergo a series of tests over recent weeks while in hospital.
In addition to FND, McHugh explained she was also diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia, a chronic pain condition which affects the face.
It comes in short and unpredictable attacks, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to two minutes.
Along with the announcement today, the singer also uploaded a video showing her struggles with the condition, such as her difficulty waking and moving her legs.
'After what has been an incredibly scary and very difficult couple of weeks in hospital having multiple CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, blood tests, lumbar punctures and every kind of test you could imagine, I have just been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND),' McHugh (36) explained online
'As well as Trigeminal Neuralgia that I was diagnosed with earlier this year.
'FND is a condition that affects the way the brain and nervous system work, leading to a range of neurological symptoms such as limb weakness, paralysis, seizures, walking difficulties, spasms, sensory issues, cognitive problems and more.
'The specific cause for FND is unknown but one of the main triggers is stress, trauma and anxiety.
'And while there is no cure, it is treatable providing you adapt your life as much as possible to manage it.'
McHugh was born in Glasgow to Irish parents from Castlederg, Co Tyrone, and now lives in Co Fermanagh with her family, including two young children Milo and Hallie.
The mum-of-two had previously opened up about her daughter's ill health after being born last July.
At the time the singer explained how her baby daughter spent 10 "horrendous" days in hospital after contracting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
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'I guess the stress and trauma of this last year and everything we've went through has finally caught up with me and my body and it's now decided to make me physically stop, process and heal from everything properly,' she added in the post.
'So that's my plan, as you can see, I've a good bit to go on the healing front, going from walking in to hospital with a very bad headache & severe facial pain, to losing function in both legs and then trying to walk again using a zimmer frame.
'It's quite a lot to wrap your head around. So, I need to drastically adapt things in my life right now and for the future to reduce the severity of the symptoms in any future flare ups.
'But rest assured, I will be cared for like a queen every single day until I fully recover from this episode.
'A special mention of thanks must go out to all of the doctors, specialists, nurses and staff of the South West Acute Hospital.
'The care and first-class treatment I've had since I arrived has been absolutely amazing and I am so thankful to all of you.
'With all of that said, I'm going to sign off and take time out from everything for a while to concentrate on recovering fully.
'In the meantime, I'd really appreciate all of your prayers and I'll soak up this time with my beautiful family and be grateful for every day sending you all lots of love, I'll be back soon.'
McHugh was inundated with support by friends and fans online after opening up about her ordeal.
One friend wrote online: 'Sending so much love Lisa praying for a speedy recovery.'
Another added: 'Oh Lisa my heart goes out to you. Sending you so much love.'
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