CompletedNot Applicable

Trial of Alternating Current Stimulation in Optic Neuropathy

Germany22 participantsStarted 2006-11

Plain-language 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).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria * patients with optic nerve lesion * stable visual field defect with residual vision * lesion age at least 6 months Exclusion Criteria * heart pacemakers and any metal artefacts in head and truncus * epileptic seizure within the last 3 years * photosensitive epilepsy as determined by EEG * mental diseases (schizophrenia etc.) * unstable diabetes, diabetes causing diabetic retinopathy * macular degeneration, maculopathy with decimal visual acuity below 0.4 * high blood pressure * instable or high level of intraocular pressure (i.e. \>27 mmHg) * presence of an un-operated tumor anywhere in the body * total blindness * primary or secondary glaucoma * pathological nystagmus

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Detection Accuracy (DA) Change in Percent Over Baseline Within Defective Visual Field Sectors

Timeframe: Outcome measures were assessed at initial diagnostics (baseline) and after 10 days stimulation at post diagnostics

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01270126

SponsorUniversity of Magdeburg

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2010-12

Results submitted2013-06-19

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Optic Nerve Diseases trials