Visual Restoration Using Focused Ultrasound Stimulation and Immersive Virtual Reality After Stroke
Duke University
Summary
This research will explore if brain stimulation combined with virtual reality therapy improves visual impairment. The stimulation technique is called low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulation (LIFUS). The treatment uses ultrasound to stimulate vision specific parts of the brain. Before this therapy, the participants will get structural brain imaging. Functional brain imaging will be performed before and after the study's completion to measure brain activity response to therapy. The purpose of this research study is to evaluate patients who have had a stroke between 6 and 24 months ago with a visual field impairment. The duration of active participation in the study is 1.5 months.
Description
Randomization visit and 1st Intervention visit: The randomization visit and 1st intervention vision will be on the same day. Participants will be "randomized" into one of the study groups described below. * Group 1 (Sham Group): Inactive LIFU + VR * Group 2 (Active Group): LIFU + VR Neither the subject nor the researcher conducting this study will know which group participants are in. Sham LIFU: The setup is similar for the active stimulation group, except that a high acoustic impedance disk will be placed between the LIFU probe and the scalp that mimics the audible sensation of a slight bu…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 18 years old of any gender and race * Clinical ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic (confirmed by CT or MRI) that occurred \>= 6-24 months ago * Partial or complete homonymous hemianopsia on clinical exam Exclusion Criteria: * Documented history of severe dementia with or without medication before stroke that affect subject's ability to participate in and be compliant to study protocol * Significant upper motor deficits and the subject cannot do IVR sessions at the baseline * History of seizures * Inability to get a new MRI * Presence of any ultrasonic stimulation risk fac…
Interventions
- DeviceLow-intensity focused ultrasound
Low-intensity focused Ultrasound (LIFU) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that uses low-intensity ultrasound to stimulate specific parts of the brain.
- DeviceImmersive virtual reality
IVR is a noninvasive, computer-based audiovisual therapy designed to enhance visual function. Using a VR headset, the system delivers targeted visual stimulation through an interactive game that the participant engages with during each session.
- DeviceInactive Low-intensity focused ultrasound
High acoustic impedance disk placed between LIFU and scalp that mimics the audible sensation of a slight buzzing but attenuates more than 95% of the energy into the brain.
Location
- Duke University Health SystemDurham, North Carolina