Non Invasive Brain Stimulation in NF1-2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mechanism of action of transcranial direct current stimulation in Neurofibromatosis type 1
IRAS ID
254686
Contact name
Shruti Garg
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Much of the real life impact of Neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1) on children and families relates to learning and behavioural difficulties with long term consequences on academic and occupational functioning. Problems with working memory are particularly relevant for day-to-day functioning since they are important listening and following instructions, reasoning and making decisions. The aim of this study is to understand the brain mechanisms underlying working memory difficulties in Neurofibromatosis type 1 and discover new treatments that might be used to help. This study will investigate how a brain chemical known as GABA relates to working memory difficulties in children with NF1 as compared to controls. We will investigate how differences in GABA levels relate to performance on working memory tests. We will use a novel treatment known as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) that is safe and has been shown to alter regional GABA activity in the brain. We will apply real or sham tDCS to the frontal area of the brain to 30 NF1 adolescents aged 11-17 years. Using state-of-art imaging techniques, we will study the effect of tDCS on GABA and other imaging parameters. This study will help us understand whether a low-cost, easy to use treatment such as tDCS has the potential to help NF1 associated learning impairments. A better understanding of the role of GABA in learning impairments will also help us develop new treatment strategies in the future.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0762
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion