[Location: Sittingbourne] ‘I went from active life to waking up paralysed - I didn’t think I’d make it to 16’
Kent Online 2026-10-05 04:00:00
Context: Hollie Dutton, a 16-year-old from Sittingbourne, experienced a sudden and drastic change in her life when she developed tremors in her hands and legs, episodes of paralysis, and daily seizures. Her symptoms began in April 2024, and she was initially misdiagnosed, but eventually received a breakthrough diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Her condition significantly impacted her daily life, causing her to miss school and experience feelings of vulnerability and isolation.
Key Facts
- Hollie Dutton, a 16-year-old from Sittingbourne, developed tremors in her hands in April 2024, which spread to her legs and caused episodes of paralysis and daily seizures.
- She was diagnosed with syringomyelia, spondylolisthesis, and eventually Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a problem with how the brain receives and sends information to the rest of the body.
- According to the NHS, FND is estimated to be the second most common reason for neurological consultations after headaches, with up to 100,000 people in the UK being diagnosed with the condition.
- Hollie's symptoms have become more manageable in recent months, with her being seizure-free for 10 weeks, and she is now using her experience to raise awareness and support others living with FND.