A UK woman remains wheelchair-bound two years after viral meningitis triggered undiagnosed functional neurological disorder.

Vicki Purdey, a 37-year-old mother from Dorset, was diagnosed with viral meningitis in March 2024 after mistaking her flu-like symptoms for the illness. Her condition rapidly worsened, leading to hospitalization and a diagnosis confirmed by lumbar puncture. After a brief discharge, she was readmitted with recurrent meningitis, which triggered functional neurological disorder (FND), causing near-total loss of leg mobility, memory issues, and sensory problems. Despite initial expectations of recovery within weeks, she remained unable to walk two years later, relying on a wheelchair and ongoing therapy. She now advocates for greater awareness and research into FND, highlighting its under-recognized impact.