Lisa McHugh shares shock neurological diagnosis after weeks in hospital
Last updated 15th Jul 2025
Country singer/songwriter and Downtown presenter Lisa McHugh has today shared news that she will be taking a step back from music after being diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
Posting a video from her hospital bed on social media, Lisa wrote: “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 that 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.
“The specific cause for FND is unknown but one of the main triggers is stress, trauma & anxiety.
And while there is no cure, it is treatable providing you adapt your life as much as possible to manage it.”
Lisa shares kids Milo and Hallie with husband Nathan, she explained that she will take time out for the foreseeable to focus on her recovery.
“I guess the stress and trauma of this last year and everything we’ve went through has finally caught up with me and my body and it’s now decided to make me physically stop, process and heal from everything properly.
“So that’s my plan 🙂, as you can see I’ve a good bit to go on the healing front, going from walking in to 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. So I need to drastically adapt things in my life right now and for the future to reduce the severity of the symptoms in any future flare ups.
“But rest assured, I will be cared for like a queen every single day until I fully recover from this episode ❤️”
After spending weeks in hospital, Lisa thanked the staff that helped her throughout her diagnosis.
“A special mention of thanks must go out to all of the doctors, specialists, nurses & staff of the South West Acute Hospital. The care and first class treatment I’ve had since I arrived has been absolutely amazing and I am so thankful to all of you.
“With all of that said, 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 🙏🏼 sending you all lots of love.”
Fans have been sending Lisa well wishes online – fellow country singer Cliona Hagan wrote: “Omg Lisa i am so sorry to hear this! 😢❤️ sending lots of love and prayers for a speedy recovery🙏 ❤️”
Another follower commented: “Oh Lisa my heart goes out to you. Sending you so much love.”
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