A woman’s severe abdominal pain eventually led to a diagnosis of a rare neurological condition, believed to be triggered by childhood bullying and trauma. Blissica Pearson, 22, experienced a harrowing journey of hospital visits throughout 2023 as doctors struggled to pinpoint the cause of her abdominal distress.
The situation escalated as Pearson developed uncontrollable body movements, known as tics, and seizures accompanied by vomiting. After undergoing numerous tests, she was diagnosed with Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND), a condition where the brain has difficulty sending and receiving signals, affecting body movement.
The exact causes of FND remain unidentified, but the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke suggests childhood trauma and stress as potential triggers.
Pearson recalls the profound impact of bullying during her school years, stating, “For years at school, I was bullied and attacked, so much so that I changed my name when I was older. That was very traumatizing as a kid. I was too scared to leave the house for years.” Currently, she experiences up to 17 seizures a day, significantly affecting her daily life, work, and speech.
Despite the challenges, Pearson remains committed to therapy and other treatments, emphasizing the importance of not allowing FND to dominate one’s life. “I can’t do anything alone, I have to rely and count on other people. Therapy is so important for everyone. Don’t let FND take over your life, if you can,” she advises.
This story highlights the long-term effects of childhood bullying and the importance of addressing and healing from such trauma.