Functional Seizures and the Immune System
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Links between Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)/ Functional Seizures (FS) and abnormalities of the immune system
IRAS ID
351516
Contact name
M Reuber
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a neurological condition that affects how the brain and the body communicate. It can present with various symptoms, including limb weakness, seizures, and cognitive difficulties that may cause high levels of distress and disability. Despite its significant impact on patients' lives, the underlying mechanisms of FND remain poorly understood. Although FND has traditionally been seen as a mental disorder, we now know that it can also involve physical health issues and a higher risk of early death. Mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are also common in people with FND.
Recent research has identified immune system abnormalities in patients with PTSD and depression. Since these conditions often overlap with FND, our study aims to find out whether people with FND also show changes in their immune systems. Specifically, we will examine:
1) The presence of ongoing inflammation in FND patients. Inflammation is the body's natural defence mechanism, but constant activity may be harmful.
1) Whether immune cells in FND patients show early signs of ageing (whether they function like immune cells of older individuals rather than like immune cells of healthy people of the FND patient's age)
2) Whether the energy use of immune cells from people with FND is different from that of healthy individuals (and how diet may affect it).We will invite female patients with functional seizures (a type of FND) who are about to begin psychotherapy at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital to take part. Healthy, age-matched female volunteers will also be recruited.
All participants will provide blood samples and complete questionnaires. This will be done twice, six months apart, to see how things change over time and with treatment (psychotherapy for FS participants).
We hope this research will improve understanding of FND and lead to better support and treatment options in the future.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0602
Date of REC Opinion
30 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion