We’re excited to be recruiting for this new FND study testing differences between the way people with FND’s brains work compared to people who don’t have FND. The study aims to detect small differences in the way different people’s brains update knowledge based on new information. The official summary of the study is below.
Study title
Exploring the dynamics of Bayesian updating in people with FND
Who are the researchers?
Dr David Palmer, Prof Jason Mattingley, and Prof Mark Edwards, based at the University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute. All of the team are experienced researchers, and Dr Palmer and Prof Edwards are both practicing neurologists who specialize in FND.
What is the study about?
This study aims to test a new theory which may explain the brain mechanisms that cause FND. The researchers aim to test whether the brains of people with FND handle new information in a subtly different way to people who do not have FND. If this difference is found, it may explain the reason that some people get FND and others do not, and would open a new avenue for research into new FND treatments.
Who can participant?
We’re looking for up to 40 people with FND and 40 people without FND (controls). Friends, family members, or caregivers of people with FND are especially welcome as controls.
What is involved?
The study will be conducted in person at the Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland, St Lucia. Participation involves completing two separate computer-based experiments. Both involve using the keyboard to respond to cues given on a computer screen. One experiment takes approximately 40 minutes, and the other takes 50-60 minutes. Participants can either complete both experiments in the same visit, or can come on different days for each experiment.
What’s in it for me?
Participants will be paid $20 per hour for their participation. More importantly though, your participation is a valuable opportunity to contribute to advancing our understanding of FND. By joining, you’ll be helping us take a crucial step toward uncovering the mechanisms of FND and developing better treatments.
How do I sign up?
FND Research Connect members who live near the Queensland Brain Institute have already been emailed an invitation. If you haven’t received an invitation, and are interested in participating, you can email fnd-research@qbi.uq.edu.au.
