The FND and Pain Study Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The FND and Pain Study
IRAS ID
340211
Contact name
Joseph Burke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
CAHSS, University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 6 days
Research summary
As part of some functional neurological conditions, a person may experience involuntary movements in their body, weaknesses in their limbs or other associated motor/movement symptoms. The cause of these symptoms, as with other types of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), is explained by dysfunction of the nervous system rather than an identifiable disease or damage to the structure of the body. Many of those with a diagnosis of FND also experience pain that is persistent or recurring for longer than 3 months and which itself may or may not have a clear cause. Despite many people living with both FND and pain, there is a lack research focusing on individuals’ experience of these two sets of symptoms and their beliefs about how they may or may not interact.
This study then aims to answer the question: How do people experience and interpret fluctuating symptoms of FND and persistent pain over time? It will aim to recruit individuals between 18-64 years of age (inclusive) who have a diagnosis of FND with movement/motor symptoms received in the last 5 years alongside living with persistent pain.
The main part of the study is an interview of about 45 minutes to explore their experiences of these symptoms. A set of questionnaires will help put the interview in the context of participants' lives. In total, the amount of time required would be approximately 95 minutes.Participation can be undertaken remotely through secure online platforms or at an NHS facility, depending on their route into the study and the participant’s preference. This study intends to add to our clinical understanding of this common comorbidity, support the development of enhanced treatments by highlighting how individuals experience their symptoms, and may contribute to reducing stigma by supporting the voices of those affected to be heard.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0108
Date of REC Opinion
26 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion