On this page
How it can feel
- Severe pain out of proportion to the original injury.
- Colour, temperature or sweating changes in a limb.
- Hypersensitivity to light touch.
- Movement fear because everything hurts.
Day to day
- Dressing, bedding and weather become tactical problems.
- Sleep and mood often take a hit.
- Overlap with functional dystonia or weakness can confuse care pathways — coordinated teams help.
How this can relate to FND
CRPS is its own diagnosis. Functional neurological symptoms can co-occur. Accurate labelling matters so you are not bounced between services.
What can help
- Specialist pain / CRPS pathways where available.
- Gentle, guided movement rather than forced use.
- Support for sleep and mental load.
- Clear communication between pain and neurology teams.
This is information, not a treatment plan. Personal care decisions belong with you and your clinicians.
FAQs
Is CRPS a type of FND?
No. They can overlap in the same person. Each needs appropriate assessment.
About this guide & further reading
Written and published by FND Connect. This is general information for people living with FND and those supporting them. It does not diagnose a symptom or replace advice from your clinician.
- Neurosymptoms: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- North Bristol NHS Trust: functional neurological symptoms
- Neurosymptoms: when new or different symptoms need reassessment
External resources provide further reading; their inclusion does not mean their authors have reviewed or endorsed this FND Connect guide. Page updated 3 October 2026.
Take this to your next conversation
Note what happens, how it affects your day and what you want to ask. An appointment pack can help you organise that conversation.