Irish country music star shares diagnosis after 'scary' and 'difficult' hospital ordeal

Irish country music star Lisa McHugh has revealed she's been diagnosed with a serious neurological disorder after what she described as "an incredibly scary and very difficult couple of weeks" in hospital.

The 35-year-old singer and mother-of-two shared the news in a heartbreaking Instagram post, opening up about how her health deteriorated from "a very bad headache and severe facial pain" to losing function in both her legs.

"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," Lisa wrote.

She explained that FND "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," she continued. "And while there is no cure, it is treatable providing you adapt your life as much as possible to manage it."

Lisa admitted the stress of the past year had "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," she revealed.

"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 ❤️," Lisa added, before thanking hospital staff.

"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."

The singer also announced she's stepping back from public life for now: "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, I'll be back soon L ❤️ xx."

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A post shared by Lisa McHugh (@lisa_mchugh)

The news sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow musicians.

Fellow country star Cliona O'Hagan wrote: "Omg Lisa I am so sorry to hear this! ❤️ sending lots of love and prayers for a speedy recovery."

One fan commented: "Sending hugs @lisa_mchugh we'll see you back out there so girl. Take care of yourself, lots of love."

Another said: "So sorry to read this Lisa, hope you get all the medical care and attention you need to get back to some sort of normality."

A third wrote: "Wow Lisa, this has floored me! Sending all the love and strength to you and your amazing cheerleading family, you've got this beauty xx chin up, the recovery is going to test all your limits, but your not one to let anything beat you! All our love."

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