Lillie Thorne unable to walk after Bell’s palsy and FND diagnosis
Lillie Thorne, a 22-year-old woman from England, remains unable to walk following a rapid medical decline that began with sudden facial paralysis on October 2. Initially diagnosed with Bell’s palsy at Furness Hospital, Thorne’s condition escalated to include speech impairment, motor loss, and frequent seizures.
- Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a term used to describe neurological disorder symptoms that do not match known medical disease patterns, and is now known to be related to a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
- Physicians performed a CT scan to rule out stroke when Thorne developed slurred speech.
- Thorne has been referred for physiotherapy to help recover her ability to move and her independence, though it is not yet known how effective the therapy will be.
Thorne’s health crisis began on October 1, after a day of cleaning the house. Upon waking the following morning, she experienced left-sided facial drooping. Her presentation at the emergency department resulted in a diagnosis of Bell’s palsy, a temporary weakness affecting one side of the face. Medical staff prescribed steroids and told her it might take six months to return to normal. The exact cause of Bell’s palsy remains unknown, including whether it can be caused by exposure to fans or air conditioning.
Progression of Neurological Deficits
Thorne’s clinical trajectory shifted when she developed slurred speech the next day. Physicians performed a CT scan to check for the possibility of stroke, but according to the doctors, there was no indication that she had experienced a stroke. Thorne was given antiviral medication because Ramsay Hunt disease was suspected. Despite this intervention, her condition continued to worsen. By October 7, she lost the ability to speak and walk. Her family reported that she began experiencing up to 30 seizures per day, some of which caused her to lose consciousness.
Diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder
After various examinations, doctors diagnosed Thorne with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). According to Stanford Medicine, FND is a term used to describe neurological disorder symptoms that do not match known medical disease patterns. As understanding of this condition increases, FND is now known to be related to a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Ashleigh Thorne, the patient’s aunt, stated that doctors have not yet been able to confirm the cause of the Bell’s palsy, but they suspect that the FND she experienced may have been triggered by stress.
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Thorne was discharged from the hospital on October 22. While she has regained some ability to speak, her speech remains unclear and slurred. She continues to experience seizures and remains unable to walk. She has been referred for physiotherapy to help recover her ability to move and her independence. It is not yet known how effective the therapy will be in helping her recovery. Her family has expressed the profound difficulty of witnessing such a rapid decline in a previously healthy 22-year-old. There is a need for more awareness about this disorder.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.