29 June 2005

Recruitment drive for study into mystery illness

Scottish doctors carrying out a groundbreaking study into a mystery illness are well on their way to recruiting the required number of patients they need to complete their work - but are appealing for more people to come forward to ensure the project's success.

Over 500 people are needed to complete the study investigating Bell's Palsy, which is being led by the University of Dundee. Halfway through the recruitment period more than 260 people have already joined the programme.

Bell's Palsy is a condition that paralyses half of the face. The condition was first identified by Scottish clinician Sir Charles Bell in the 19th century but its cause remains a mystery. Sufferers are affected by a sudden paralysis, characterised by the swelling of a nerve in the face.

"We have had a marvellous response so far from the public around Scotland for the study but we really do need that to continue," said Dr Fergus Daly, study co-ordinator.

"It is vital we get all the numbers we need to make the sure the study is a success. We are halfway through now and if we continue to get the same support we have enjoyed then we will get there."

General practitioners from all over mainland Scotland have been referring sufferers to the Dundee study at the rate of around 20 to 30 per month.

"It is vital we get them within 72 hours of onset of the condition, and the ideal is if we can see them within 48 hours," said Dr Daly. "It is also in the patient's best interest to seek as soon as possible so if people are feeling something is not right with their face then they should contact their GP.

"If they are then referred to us and take part in the study then they may help future sufferers of this unpleasant condition."

The Dundee study hopes to find the most effective treatment for the condition. At present GPs tend to either leave the condition to heal naturally, prescribe steroids or give anti-viral medication.

The efficacy of these treatments is not known, hence the reason for the study.

The condition affects around 1 in 60 people during their lifetime, or around 100 people per month in Scotland. It can strike almost anyone at any age but disproportionately affects pregnant women and sufferers of diabetes, flu, colds and other upper respiratory ailments.

For around one in 20 sufferers there is no significant recovery at all, although in almost three-quarters of cases there is complete recovery within 3 to 6 weeks.

Anyone who does develop the condition should contact their GP. The Dundee study can be contacted by e-mail at bells@tcgp.dundee.ac.uk

There is also a website at www.dundee.ac.uk/bells/

By Roddy Isles, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, r.isles@dundee.ac.uk