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17th July 2025
09:54am BST

Irish country singer Lisa McHugh has been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder.
The singer shared the news on Instagram this week after a "very difficult couple of weeks" in hospital.
Lisa told her followers that FND affects the way the brain and nervous system work. She was also diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia earlier this year.
She issued an update with her fans on Instagram:
"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).
"As well as Trigeminal Neuralgia, which 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."
Lisa said there is no specific cause for FND, but some of the main triggers are stress, trauma, and anxiety.
The country singer said you can treat the disorder by adapting "your life as much as possible to manage it."
"I’ve a good bit to go on the healing front, going from walking into 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."
Lisa revealed that she will be taking a break and focusing on her recovery going forward.
The singer said she needs to "drastically adapt things in my life right now."
The changes she makes will help reduce the severity of the symptoms in any future flare-ups.
"I will be cared for like a queen every single day until I fully recover from this episode," she added.
"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 & I’ll soak up this time with my beautiful family and be grateful for every day."
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