Caloric Vestibular Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Caloric Vestibular Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease
IRAS ID
185941
Contact name
Aleksandra Podlewska
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This research will investigate the potential of caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS), a non-invasive form of neuro- modulation, as a treatment for individuals who are suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. CVS works by cooling the external ear canal which in turn activates the nearby vestibular (balance) organs. In turn, this up-regulates activity in brainstem nuclei which are associated with both motor and cognitive decline in PD. \n\nWe plan to show proof-of-principle in 24 patients recruited from across Kent. 12 will receive active while the remainder will receive sham stimulation (though will be offered active stimulation post-study if evidence of efficacy is demonstrated). CVS is widely regarded as ’low risk’ so can be administered at home by participants and their spouses following brief training. Core motor, cognitive and emotional deficits will be measured before and after a 2 month stimulation period. The study design is based on that employed in 2 single-case studies that we have just finished which showed, remarkably, clinically important improvements in PD symptoms following 2 months of stimulation. The aim of this study is to replicate this effect in a larger sample and across a broader range of outcome measures that provide greater insight into rehabilitative relevance and underlying mechanism of effect.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0547
Date of REC Opinion
10 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion