Signalia Foundation was created in response to a condition that challenges how medicine typically works.

Functional Neurological Disorder does not fit neatly into existing categories. It sits between disciplines, often requiring a different way of thinking to understand and address it.

Our work focuses on building that understanding.

How We Think

There is no single lens that fully explains FND.

Different fields approach it in different ways—often using different language, frameworks, and assumptions.

Rather than choosing one perspective, we look at how they connect.

We consider:

how the brain functions in real time
how patterns of movement, sensation, and response are learned and reinforced
how attention, expectation, and environment influence symptoms
how patients experience and interpret what is happening in their bodies

These are often treated as separate domains. In practice, they overlap.

Our approach is to follow those connections. Not to reduce FND to a single explanation—but to understand how multiple factors interact to produce real, physical symptoms.

Clarity comes from examining that system as a whole.

How We Work

Our work is shaped by an investigative process.

We begin with questions.

We examine how FND is defined, diagnosed, and treated—and where those approaches align or fall short.

We speak with clinicians, researchers, and people living with the condition to understand how theory translates into real-world experience.

We prioritize clarity over simplicity.

That means:

translating complex information without distorting it
avoiding explanations that are easy, but incomplete
being transparent about uncertainty

We are not building a fixed narrative.

We are building understanding—step by step—and sharing that process as it develops.

This foundation is in its early stages.

Our initial focus is on building the documentary and developing educational content, while laying the groundwork for future clinical initiatives.

We are intentionally building this work step by step, with a focus on accuracy, transparency, and long-term impact.

I’m Nadine Sebai, Executive Director of Signalia Foundation.

I’m a private investigator, journalist, and filmmaker. My career has focused on examining complex systems and translating difficult topics into clear, accessible stories. I have always believed that accurate information, thoughtfully presented, can empower people and improve outcomes. I never expected that I would one day apply those same skills to understanding my own health.

I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder five years ago after experiencing functional seizures and other life-altering symptoms. The early period was frightening and confusing. Like many patients, I encountered stigma, limited access to knowledgeable clinicians, and a lack of clear guidance. I found myself navigating a fragmented medical landscape while trying to make sense of what was happening inside my own brain and body.

Over time, through persistence and evidence-based care, I began to make meaningful progress. I sought out specialized treatment, immersed myself in the research, and developed practical tools that helped me regain stability and function. The past year has marked significant improvement. My experience showed me that while recovery is not linear, it is possible when patients have access to the right knowledge and support.

I started this foundation for three reasons. First, to share what has genuinely helped me improve, grounded in science and clinical insight. Second, to strengthen patient education by making trustworthy, accessible information available to individuals and families navigating FND. Third, to expand opportunities for clinicians to learn and train in FND so that more patients can receive informed, compassionate care.

This foundation brings together my professional background and lived experience. It is built on the belief that patients deserve clarity, clinicians deserve stronger training pathways, and better information can strengthen the entire system of care surrounding FND.

Meet the Board