Prism Adaptation + TENS for Unilateral Spatial Neglect

This trial tests whether combining Prism Adaptation Therapy (PAT) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) improves attention to one side of the body more effectively than PAT alone for stroke survivors. PAT involves wearing special goggles to help the brain adapt, while TENS uses gentle electrical pulses to increase awareness in the affected arm. The trial seeks stroke survivors who struggle with attention to one side and have at least mild symptoms on a neglect scale. Participants should not have had more than two strokes, a history of seizures, certain mental illnesses, or specific medical devices like pacemakers. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance stroke recovery therapies.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Studies have shown that Prism Adaptation Therapy (PAT) is generally safe and can improve symptoms like neglect and motor control issues after a stroke. Evidence suggests that combining PAT with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), which uses gentle electrical currents to stimulate nerves, offers additional benefits. Research indicates that TENS is also well-tolerated, with only minor side effects like skin irritation sometimes reported.

Researchers are excited about combining Prism Adaptation Training (PAT) with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for treating unilateral spatial neglect because it introduces a novel dual-approach. Unlike traditional therapies that typically focus solely on visual or motor rehabilitation, this method enhances sensory awareness by using TENS to stimulate the neglected side, potentially leading to more comprehensive neural adaptation. Additionally, the use of prism goggles shifts the visual field, encouraging the brain to recalibrate its perception and motor responses together, which could offer faster and more effective recovery. This integrated approach might provide significant advantages over existing single-modality treatments, offering new hope for those with this challenging condition.

Research has shown that prism adaptation therapy (PAT) can significantly aid individuals with unilateral spatial neglect, a condition affecting attention and movement after a stroke. Studies have found that PAT improves scores on tests measuring this condition, such as the Behavioral Inattention Test. In this trial, one group of participants will receive PAT alone, while another group will receive PAT combined with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Early findings suggest that combining PAT with TENS might enhance these improvements. TENS sends small electrical signals to the neglected side of the body to boost sensory awareness. Although more research is needed to confirm these benefits, initial evidence is promising for enhancing attention and function in stroke survivors.¹⁶⁷⁸⁹