Pain perception and its influences in functional neurological disorder
This study aims to understand how people with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) experience pain compared to healthy individuals. FND symptoms, like pain, can be caused by changes in how the brain works, rather than damage to the body. By looking at how physical and psychological factors affect pain in FND, researchers hope to learn more about why these symptoms happen and discover new ways to support patients. If you're aged 18-65, with or without an FND diagnosis, and interested, you could take part. The study involves a single visit to King's College London where you'll experience mild electrical impulses and complete some health questionnaires. There are no health benefits for taking part, but your contribution will help improve understanding of FND.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is investigating something called Functional Neurological Disorder, or FND for short. When someone has FND, their brain isn't damaged, but it doesn't always send signals around the body in the usual way. This can lead to various symptoms, including different kinds of pain, movement issues, or problems with how bodily sensations are felt.
The researchers believe that the brain plays a big part in how we experience pain and other feelings, and they want to understand this better in people with FND. By comparing how people with FND and healthy volunteers feel pain, they hope to discover why certain symptoms develop. Ultimately, this knowledge could help doctors and therapists find better ways to support people living with FND.
Your participation would help scientists understand the tricky link between the brain and pain in FND. It could lead to new avenues for treatment in the future, improving the lives of many people with this condition.
Key takeaways
- Aims to understand pain in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
- Compares pain perception in people with FND and healthy volunteers.
- Involves mild electrical pulses and questionnaires in a single visit.
- No direct health benefits for participants, but aids FND research.
- Main risk is temporary, mild discomfort from electrical pulses.
- Takes place at King's College London between October 2024 and December 2025.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults between 18 and 65 years old. The researchers are looking for people who have been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) that affects their movement, senses, or causes seizures. They also need healthy volunteers who do not have any major ongoing health conditions.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a serious heart condition, have certain medical implants like a pacemaker, are pregnant, or have a skin condition or tattoos on your lower arm where the electrical pulses would be applied. If you have severe symptoms that would make it difficult to attend the study, like constant shaking or paralysis, or if you have a strong dislike for mild electrical pulses or experiencing any pain, then this study might not be suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) OR are you a healthy adult with no major ongoing health conditions?
- Do you not have a serious heart condition or medical implants (like a pacemaker) that could be affected by electrical pulses?
- Are you not pregnant?
- Do you not have severe symptoms (e.g., constant tremor, multiple daily seizures) that would make attending difficult?
- Do you speak and understand English well enough to follow instructions?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll need to visit the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neurosciences (IoPPN) at King’s College London for one session. During this visit, you'll be asked to complete several questionnaires about your pain, anxiety levels, and other related feelings. You will also experience mild electrical pulses applied to your lower arm to understand how you perceive pain.
To see how your body handles pain, a special device will be used to see if it can change your pain perception. This study does not involve taking any medication or ongoing treatment, and there are no follow-up appointments. The entire study involves just this single visit to the lab.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College LondonCity onlyLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?
FND is a condition where the brain and body have problems sending and receiving signals. It can cause various physical symptoms like pain, movement issues, or problems with sensations, but there’s no damage to the brain or nerves.
Is this study offering treatment for FND?
No, this study is for research only. It aims to understand FND better, not to provide direct treatment or health benefits to participants.
What are 'mild electrical pulses'?
These are gentle electrical stimulations to your arm, used to safely test how your body senses pain. They are designed to cause only temporary, mild discomfort.
How long will my visit to the lab take?
The study involves a single visit to the lab. The exact duration will be explained by the study team, but generally these sessions are a few hours long.
Who is funding this research?
This study is funded by the Felgenhauer Foundation and the German Research Foundation (DFG), and it's being carried out at King's College London.
How to find out more
Livia Asan
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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