tDCS and Cognition in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis or Encephalitis
| Status: | Recruiting |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Infectious Disease, Neurology, Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Immunology / Infectious Diseases, Neurology, Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - Any |
| Updated: | 2/10/2019 |
| Start Date: | September 2014 |
| End Date: | June 30, 2019 |
| Contact: | Ermiece estraub2@jhmi.edu, MS |
| Email: | estraub2@jhmi.edu |
| Phone: | (410) 502-6345 |
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Cognition in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis or Encephalitis
This research is being done to determine whether transcranial direct current stimulation
(tDCS) can improve certain mental abilities in individuals with multiple sclerosis or
encephalitis. Participants will be asked to come in daily for two full weeks during which
time they will undergo cognitive testing and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain scans. In
this research, a very weak electrical current is administered to the surface of the scalp
while participants complete cognitive tasks. The investigators' aim is to find out whether
tDCS will improve task performance in adults with multiple sclerosis or encephalitis.
(tDCS) can improve certain mental abilities in individuals with multiple sclerosis or
encephalitis. Participants will be asked to come in daily for two full weeks during which
time they will undergo cognitive testing and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain scans. In
this research, a very weak electrical current is administered to the surface of the scalp
while participants complete cognitive tasks. The investigators' aim is to find out whether
tDCS will improve task performance in adults with multiple sclerosis or encephalitis.
Participants enrolled into this study may be asked to do the following:
- Come to the investigators' testing office at the Johns Hopkins Hospital where the tDCS
equipment is located for 10 study visits.
- Grant permission for the researchers to view medical records associated with the
participant's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or encephalitis (if applicable) and
general state of health.
- Complete a questionnaire and provide a health history in order to verify eligibility to
participate and be able to safely undergo the experimental procedures.
- Complete several computerized, written, and/or aural tasks (i.e., saying words out loud)
that assess different cognitive functions such as attention, memory, language, or
processing speed.
- Wear electrodes that will be placed on the scalp with a large rubberized band. These
electrodes will administer very weak electrical current (tDCS) for 30 minutes.
- Participate in several study conditions. The exact conditions and their order will be
randomized. That is, they will vary by chance (like the flip of a coin). Under some
conditions, the participant might receive active stimulation (tDCS) and under other
conditions, the participant might receive placebo (or sham) stimulation. Placebo
stimulation is similar to active tDCS but lasts only a few seconds. However, all groups
will wear the electrodes for the same length of time to prevent the participant from
knowing whether they are receiving active tDCS or sham stimulation. The study doctor and
research staff will know which group the participant is in.
- Permission to audio and/or video-tape test sessions for later scoring and observation.
These tapes will not be viewed by anyone not affiliated with the study without the
participant's consent.
- Have structural, resting-state and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans as a part
of the study.
- Come to the investigators' testing office at the Johns Hopkins Hospital where the tDCS
equipment is located for 10 study visits.
- Grant permission for the researchers to view medical records associated with the
participant's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or encephalitis (if applicable) and
general state of health.
- Complete a questionnaire and provide a health history in order to verify eligibility to
participate and be able to safely undergo the experimental procedures.
- Complete several computerized, written, and/or aural tasks (i.e., saying words out loud)
that assess different cognitive functions such as attention, memory, language, or
processing speed.
- Wear electrodes that will be placed on the scalp with a large rubberized band. These
electrodes will administer very weak electrical current (tDCS) for 30 minutes.
- Participate in several study conditions. The exact conditions and their order will be
randomized. That is, they will vary by chance (like the flip of a coin). Under some
conditions, the participant might receive active stimulation (tDCS) and under other
conditions, the participant might receive placebo (or sham) stimulation. Placebo
stimulation is similar to active tDCS but lasts only a few seconds. However, all groups
will wear the electrodes for the same length of time to prevent the participant from
knowing whether they are receiving active tDCS or sham stimulation. The study doctor and
research staff will know which group the participant is in.
- Permission to audio and/or video-tape test sessions for later scoring and observation.
These tapes will not be viewed by anyone not affiliated with the study without the
participant's consent.
- Have structural, resting-state and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans as a part
of the study.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or encephalitis
- Over the age of 18
Exclusion Criteria:
- A diagnosis of schizophrenia bipolar disorder
- Beck Depression Inventory-II scores over 20
- Mini Mental Exam below 24
- Any uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Any implanted metal device or hearing aids
- Use of medication shown to interact with tDCS effectiveness
We found this trial at
1
site
4940 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21287
Baltimore, Maryland 21287
Principal Investigator: Tracy Vannorsdall, Ph.D.
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