BLB study-Back or Leg Pain and Bladder symptoms study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
BLB study-Back or Leg Pain and Bladder symptoms study
IRAS ID
192413
Contact name
Ingrid Hoeritzauer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 9 months, 18 days
Research summary
The research focuses on Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) which describes damage to the nerves in the lower back which supply bladder, bowels, sexual function and the legs usually from slipped discs in the spine.
CES is as common as multiple sclerosis and is diagnosed using an MRI scan of the spine, ’scan positive’ CES. However about 50% of people presenting with the symptoms of CES have MRI scans which do not explain their symptoms, ‘scan negative’ patients. The BLB study will be the first large clinical study comparing patients with ’scan positive’ and ‘scan negative’ CES. All patients admitted to the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh with possible CES will be invited to participate. The study consists of detailed history taking, examination and a questionnaire following up patient’s symptoms at three months.
The study aims to see what differences exist between the ‘scan positive’ and ‘scan negative’ groups, help doctors understand more about the outcomes of both groups and discover the number of patients with ‘scan negative’ CES who have functional disorders (previously called medically unexplained or conversion disorders) or undiagnosed neurological disorders.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
15/NS/0112
Date of REC Opinion
10 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion