A 22-year-old woman has been left unable to walk and speak after experiencing a sudden onset of facial paralysis. Lillie Thorne, described as previously fit and healthy, woke up on October 2nd to find the left side of her face drooping and unresponsive.
Initially diagnosed with Bell's palsy at Furness General Hospital, Thorne was prescribed steroids. However, her condition worsened the following day when she began slurring her words and experienced up to 30 seizures daily, some leaving her unresponsive. She was admitted to the hospital, where further tests, including a CT scan ruled out a stroke. She also received antiviral medication for suspected Ramsey Hunt disease, but her symptoms continued to deteriorate.
By October 7th, Thorne had lost the ability to speak and walk. Doctors eventually diagnosed her with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) after extensive investigations. FND is a condition where there are problems with how the brain receives and sends signals to the body.
Thorne was discharged on October 22nd, having regained her ability to speak, though she still experiences word slurring and stuttering. She has since been referred for physiotherapy to help regain mobility and independence, but she remains unable to walk.
Her family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund private specialist treatment, as they state Thorne does not meet the threshold for NHS specialist services. The money raised will go towards private consultations, rehabilitation, and associated travel costs. Her aunt, Ashleigh Thorne, noted that while doctors are uncertain about the exact cause, the FND might be a stress-related side effect. She emphasized the need for greater awareness of FND, describing it as a "horrendous disorder."