Trial of Alternating Current Stimulation in Optic Neuropathy

Not Applicable

Completed

Interventions: Device: Repetitive transorbital alternating current stimulation

Brief Summary: Non-invasive brain stimulation can increase cortical excitability in the visual system, but it is not known if this is of clinical value. The investigators now assessed if repetitive, transcranial alternating current stimulation (rtACS) can improve visual field size in patients with optic nerve damage. The investigators hypothesized that rtACS would improve visual functions within the defective visual field sectors of the visual field (primary outcome measure).

Detailed Description: In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial 22 patients with optic nerve damage were randomly assigned to a rtACS- (n=12) or placebo-group (n=10). Visual field measures, visual acuity and EEG-recordings were collected before and after a daily 20-40min treatment for 10-days and at a 2-months-follow-up. Primary outcome measure was detection accuracy (DA) in defective visual field sectors of computer-based high resolution perimetry (HRP). Secondary outcome parameters included DA in static and kinetic perimetry, reaction time (RT) in HRP, visual acuity (VA), contrast vision, and EEG power spectra.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
rtACS (Verum condition)	Repetitive transorbital alternating current stimulation	Repetitive transorbital alternating current stimulation (rtACS)

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Detection Accuracy (DA) Change in Percent Over Baseline Within Defective Visual Field Sectors	Outcome measures were assessed at initial diagnostics (baseline) and after 10 days stimulation at post diagnostics	Central visual fields were assessed with computer-based high-resolution perimetry (HRP). Based on such plots, areas of the visual field were characterized as intact, partially damaged or absolutely impaired (blind). Detection accuracy (DA) change in percent above baseline within defective visual field sectors was defined as the primary outcome criterion.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Other Visual and EEG Parameters	Nov 2006 - Dec 2010	Secondary outcome parameters included DA in static and kinetic perimetry, reaction time (RT) in HRP, visual acuity (VA), contrast vision, and EEG power spectra.