Combined tDCS and Vision Restoration Training in Subacute Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study

Combined tDCS and Vision Restoration Training in Subacute Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this Study is to determine whether non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is effective in increasing rehabilitation effects after stroke in visual Cortex.

Visual field defects after posterior cerebral artery stroke can be improved by vision restoration training (VRT), but when combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) which alters brain excitability, vision restoration can be potentiated in the chronic stage. Because it is possible that such therapy may be more effective during the early recovery phase after the stroke and can reach patients during the rehabilitation phase, investigators wished to explore the applicability, efficacy and safety of early intervention with a combined tDCS/VRT treatment.

Seven post-acute stroke homonymous hemianopia patients were assigned to 10 sessions of combined tDCS (2mA, 10 daily sessions of 15-20 min) and VRT. The primary outcome criterion was the pre-post change in perimetric detection thresholds in percent. The results were compared to 7 age and stroke lesion matched controls of our patient data pool who received standard rehabilitation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Posterior Cerebral Artery Stroke
• Visual Field Defect
• Lesion age 4 weeks up to 6 month max

Exclusion Criteria:

• Electrical Implants
• Metal artefacts in head
• Epilepsy
• Visual Neglect