RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Study of Bladder-sphincter Symptoms in Functional Neurological Disorders

This research project is exploring bladder, bowel, and sexual problems that some people with Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) experience. While many FND patients report these issues, they haven't been fully understood or described in detail until now. The study aims to accurately identify and describe these symptoms. By doing so, doctors can gain a clearer picture of how these problems affect FND patients. This improved understanding is crucial for developing more effective ways to help and treat these specific symptoms, ultimately leading to better support for people living with FND.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

150

Start

08 Mar 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Urinary Bladder Sphincter Disorder

What is this study about?

You might have heard of Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), which are conditions where there's a problem with how the brain and body send and receive messages, even though scans and tests might look normal. Many people with FND report difficulties with their bladder, bowels, or sexual functions. However, these specific issues haven't been thoroughly investigated in FND patients before, so we don't fully understand them.

This study aims to change that. We want to find out exactly which bladder, bowel, or sexual problems are common in people with FND and describe them in detail. By getting a clearer picture of these symptoms, doctors will be better equipped to recognise them and offer the right kind of help and support.

Ultimately, the goal is to improve the care and treatment options available for people with FND who are experiencing these particular challenges. Understanding these symptoms better is the first step towards finding better ways to manage them.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand bladder, bowel, and sexual problems in people with FND.
It will help doctors provide better care and treatment options in the future.
Participation involves questionnaires and potentially specialist appointments.
There are no new medications or medical procedures in this study.
You can stop participating at any time without affecting your health care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). It's also important that your bladder, bowel, or sexual problems aren't caused by another neurological condition, and that your brain and spinal cord scans appear normal.

You cannot take part if you are currently pregnant, or if you are already scheduled for surgery or certain local treatments. If you have another neurological condition that could explain your bladder or bowel issues (like multiple sclerosis), you also wouldn't be able to join this particular study.

Finally, for practical reasons, participants need to be part of the French social security system. We also can't include people who are under legal protection orders or receiving state medical assistance.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder?
Are your bladder or bowel problems NOT caused by another neurological condition?
Are you NOT pregnant?
Are you able to fill out questionnaires and attend appointments?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, your first step will be to complete some questionnaires about your bladder, bowel, and sexual functions. These questionnaires will help us understand if you are experiencing any issues in these areas. If the questionnaires show that you do have a problem with your bladder, you might then be invited to see a specialist doctor who deals with nerve-related bladder issues (a neuro-urologist). After this, depending on what's needed, you might have follow-up appointments with both your regular neurologist and the neuro-urologist. The total duration of your participation will depend on whether you have a bladder issue and whether follow-up appointments are needed.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part in this study is that it could help us understand bladder, bowel, and sexual problems in FND better, which could lead to improved treatments for people like you in the future. There are no direct medical risks from the study itself, as it mainly involves questionnaires and consultations, not new medications or procedures. However, discussing sensitive topics like bladder, bowel, and sexual functions might feel uncomfortable for some. Remember, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hospital Avicenne-Neurology
Verified postcode
Bobigny, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is FND?

FND stands for Functional Neurological Disorder, which is a condition where problems occur with how the brain and body send or receive signals.

What kind of problems are you looking at?

We are specifically looking at issues with bladder and bowel control, as well as sexual function, in people with FND.

Will I have to take new medication?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It focuses on understanding your symptoms through questionnaires and specialist assessments.

How long will I be involved?

Your involvement depends on whether you have a bladder issue. It will involve questionnaires, and potentially specialist consultations and follow-up appointments.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Béatrice GARCIN, Dr

beatrice.garcin@aphp.fr 01 48 95 54 01 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.