Imaging in peripheral neuropathies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Imaging in patients with peripheral neuropathies
IRAS ID
134850
Contact name
Annina Schmid
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
9 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects a single or multiple nerves in the upper or lower limbs. This condition includes patients with carpal tunnel syndrome or diabetic neuropathy. Typical symptoms include numbness, tingling and muscle weakness. However, a subset of patients develops neuropathic pain, which can be debilitating and interferes with daily functioning.
Despite recent advances in neuroscience research, the pathomechanisms of neuropathic pain and why some patients develop pain remain largely unknown. Based on animal studies, it has been suggested that involvement of small nerve fibres and inflammation are important factors. Changes in patterns of evoked brain activity have also been found to be important in other neuropathic pain conditions. Whether changes in cortical function differ however in patients with peripheral neuropathies with and without neuropathic pain remains to be examined.This project aims to identify processes that may differentiate patients with peripheral neuropathies with and without neuropathic pain. Participants will attend a single appointment (~3 hours) but may be invited to come back to complete the full study. The following tests/procedures will be done:
1. QUESTIONNAIRES regarding the impact of peripheral neuropathy on their life.
2. NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION looking for abnormalities in strength or sensation
3. NERVE CONDUCTION STUDIES to look at transmission of electrical impulses in nerves
4. MRI of the peripheral nerve and skin to look at structural changes of nerves
5. If participants agree to attend another session, a functional MRI of the brain will be performed to look at how the brain is organised and processes information.The results of this study will provide important insights into the pathomechanisms of neuropathic pain, which will ultimately advance the management of these conditions.
This study is funded by the Wellcome Trust and by the NHMRC. Patients will be recruited through outpatient clinics, the primary care research partnership, through poster advertisements and from previous studies.REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/SC/0580
Date of REC Opinion
11 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion