In this study, the authors looked at the functional brain MRI images of patients with faecal incontinence and compared them to healthy individuals. When the rectum in these individuals was stimulated, the response observed in the brain was somewhat different to that seen in healthy individuals. This suggests that the brain-gut interaction plays an important role in the process leading up to the manifestation of symptoms of faecal incontinence.  Dr Naseem was the main investigator in this study, her knowledge of the continence mechanism and its disorders is detailed and scientific, facilitating expert and tailored treatment of such disorders in every patient.

so is the problem in the mind? Well, at least partly as shown in this study. The brain-gut interaction is one of the most important recent discoveries and disorders in this interaction can lead to a whole gamut of problems such as depression, irritable bowel syndrome, functional bloating, diarrhea and so on. And it is likely that the brain-gut interaction may also play an important role in the pathophysiology of faecal incontinence. 

For more information about this study, follow the link below:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/codi.13694