400 Section - Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Functional Neurological Disorder Undergoing Neurorehabilitation: A Prospective Pilot Study at NRC

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PT

Presenting Author/Autor expositor(s)

SS

Sivaruban Somasundaram, MD

Specialty Registrar in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
National Rehabilitation Center
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom

Co-Author/Coautor(s)

KA

Khaled FK Al-Kharouf, MD

Specialty Registrar in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
National Rehabilitation Centre
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
JH

Javvad Haider, MD

Consultant in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
National Rehabilitation Center
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom

Objectives : Evaluation of bone mineral density in FND person with lower limb weakness. To evaluate the feasibility of incorporating DXA scanning and basic metabolic bone profiling into the assessment of patients with FND presenting with lower limb weakness, and to explore preliminary trends in BMD that may influence rehabilitation planning and long-term management.

Design: This prospective pilot study will recruit 8–10 adults with FND-related lower limb weakness admitted for neurorehabilitation lower-limb weakness admitted to NRC for neurorehabilitation at NRC. DXA scans (lumbar spine and hip) will be performed within two weeks of admission. Blood tests include calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, renal function, and thyroid profile. Functional assessments in use within the centre (e.g., mobility scales, gait ability measures) will be recorded at baseline. Feasibility outcomes include recruitment rate, scan completion rate, and acceptability to patients and clinical teams. Exploratory outcomes include the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and associations with mobility level and illness duration.

Results: Expected

Results:
It is anticipated that DXA scanning will be feasible within routine practice at NCR, with early data suggesting a non-trivial rate of low BMD among patients with significant mobility restriction from FND. Patterns identified may justify earlier screening, targeted supplementation, and tailored physiotherapy strategies

Conclusion:

This pilot study will provide the first structured evaluation of bone health in adults with FND undergoing inpatient neuro-rehabilitation. Findings aim to inform larger future studies and guide practical management strategies to optimise long-term musculoskeletal outcomes in this under-researched group.