Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Functional Neurological Disorders in Patients Admitted in Stroke Units

This study is for adults admitted to hospital stroke units because they have sudden problems like weakness or speech difficulty, similar to a stroke. However, doctors find that these symptoms are not caused by a stroke or any other clear brain disease. These conditions are sometimes called Functional Neurological Disorders. The study wants to learn more about how these conditions affect people's thinking, memory, and actions. By understanding this better, researchers hope to improve how these patients are cared for. The study will look at information already collected from patients who fit these criteria.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild

Enrolment target

Start

05 Mar 2021

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2026

Functional Neurological Disorders

What is this study about?

Imagine feeling sudden weakness, speech problems, or another neurological symptom that makes doctors think you might be having a stroke. You get admitted to a special stroke unit in the hospital. However, after lots of tests, doctors find that your brain isn't damaged by a stroke or any other obvious neurological disease. This can be a very confusing and worrying time. Your symptoms are real, but their cause is different from what was initially suspected. These types of conditions are often called Functional Neurological Disorders (FND).

Doctors and researchers don't yet fully understand these conditions, especially how they affect people's thinking, memory, and daily actions. This study aims to fill that knowledge gap. Researchers want to look closely at hospital records of people who have been in this situation to better describe their experiences. They'll be focusing on information about thinking skills (like memory and attention) and different behaviours.

The main goal of this study is to gain a clearer picture of Functional Neurological Disorders in people who first appeared to have a stroke. By understanding more about their symptoms and experiences, doctors hope to improve the way these conditions are recognised, diagnosed, and ultimately, how patients with FND are supported and treated in the future.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on understanding 'stroke mimics' and Functional Neurological Disorders (FND).
It uses existing medical records, so no new treatments or tests are involved.
The goal is to understand how these conditions affect thinking and behaviour.
Participation helps improve future care for patients with FND.
Your personal information will be kept private.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who have been admitted to a hospital stroke unit. You might be considered if you experienced symptoms that made doctors suspect a neurological problem, like a stroke, but tests later showed that your symptoms weren't caused by a stroke or another known brain disease.

To be included, your symptoms must have been noticeable enough at the time of admission to score at least 1 on a specific neurological assessment (called NIHSS). You also need to be over 18 years old and have given your agreement to take part in the study, confirming you are healthy enough to do so.

However, you cannot take part if you are currently under legal protection (like being in prison), or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This study aims to ensure all participants are able to give informed consent and are not in a vulnerable situation that might impact their involvement.

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 over 18 years old?
Were you admitted to a hospital stroke unit for neurological symptoms?
Were your symptoms later found NOT to be caused by a stroke or other clear brain disease?
Are you able to agree to take part in a study?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study does not involve new treatments, medications, or extra hospital visits. Instead, researchers will be looking at information that has already been collected as part of your routine medical care when you were admitted to the stroke unit. There will be no additional assessments, follow-up appointments, or changes to your treatment plan if you participate. Taking part simply means allowing the research team to review your existing medical records to gather information about your symptoms and diagnosis.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical risks from taking part in this study as you won't be undergoing any new tests or treatments. The main benefit is that the information from your medical records could help doctors better understand conditions like Functional Neurological Disorders. This improved understanding might lead to better care for future patients. You are completely free to decide whether or not to allow researchers to use your de-identified medical data, and you can withdraw your consent at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hopital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild
Verified postcode
Paris, France

Common questions

What is a 'stroke mimic'?

A 'stroke mimic' is when someone has symptoms that look like a stroke, but tests show it's not actually a stroke. There are many reasons someone might have these symptoms.

What are Functional Neurological Disorders (FND)?

FNDs are conditions where people have real physical or sensory symptoms (like weakness or numbness) that are caused by a problem with how the brain sends and receives signals, rather than damage to the brain itself.

Will I have to take any new medicine or treatments?

No, this study only looks at existing medical records. You won't take any new medicines or have any extra treatments because of this research.

How will my personal information be kept private?

The researchers will protect your privacy by using your information in a way that doesn't identify you personally. Your name and other identifying details will be removed.

Why is this study important?

This study is important because it helps doctors learn more about Functional Neurological Disorders in people who first seem to have a stroke. Better understanding can lead to better care for these patients in the future.