The impact of hormonal changes in FND
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Functional Neurological Disorder :an international online study
IRAS ID
349406
Contact name
Ingrid Hoeritzauer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Fribourg
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a brain network disorder, and a condition that describes a number of neurological symptoms such as weakness, seizures or tremor that relate to a functional problem of the nervous system. It is a condition primarily affecting women and has a strong association with adverse life events. Despite this, there are very few, if any published studies looking at the role of hormonal changes on symptoms.
The main goal of this project is to better understand the role of sex hormones and life events associated with hormonal changes in FND. More specifically, we are aiming to observe whether menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, the intake of hormonal contraception and gender transition have an impact on FND symptoms. To do so, we plan to distribute an online survey (RedCap survey) through relevant health professionals. The survey consists of seven questionnaires focusing on changes in symptoms after an event associated with hormonal change. This is part of a wider international study, led by the Swiss FND team Prof Selma Aybek (University of Fribourg, Faculty of Science and Medicine Neurology).
This study has already gained ethics approval there and our role is as a participant identification site.REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/1648
Date of REC Opinion
20 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion