Testing ultrasound brain stimulation with virtual reality for vision loss after stroke
Tests ultrasound brain stimulation with virtual reality in adults with vision loss after stroke.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Visual Restoration Using Focused Ultrasound Stimulation and Immersive Virtual Reality After Stroke
Key facts
- Where
- Durham, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Duke University Health SystemDurham, United StatesNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Duke University
- Trial code
- NCT06875206
- Record updated
- 24 August 2026
- Original description
This research will explore if brain stimulation combined with virtual reality therapy improves visual impairment. The stimulation technique is called low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulation (LIFUS). The treatment uses ultrasound to stimulate vision specific parts of the brain. Before this therapy, the participants will get structural brain imaging. Functional brain imaging will be performed before and after the study's completion to measure brain activity response to therapy.Read full original descriptionShow less
Visual Restoration Using Focused Ultrasound Stimulation and Immersive Virtual Reality After Stroke
This research will explore if brain stimulation combined with virtual reality therapy improves visual impairment. The stimulation technique is called low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulation (LIFUS). The treatment uses ultrasound to stimulate vision specific parts of the brain. Before this therapy, the participants will get structural brain imaging. Functional brain imaging will be performed before and after the study's completion to measure brain activity response to therapy.
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate patients who have had a stroke between 6 and 24 months ago with a visual field impairment. The duration of active participation in the study is 1.5 months.
Inclusion: ≥ 18 years old of any gender and race; Clinical ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic (confirmed by CT or MRI) that occurred >= 6-24 months ago; Partial or complete homonymous hemianopsia on clinical exam.
Exclusion: Patients will be excluded if they have a previous diagnosis of hemianopsia, a new diagnosis of central retinal ischemic injury, or visual blindness or a history of any other ocular disease; Documented history of severe dementia with or without medication before stroke that affect subject's ability to participate in and be compliant to study protocol; History of seizures; Presence of any ultrasonic stimulation risk factors: an electrically, magnetically, or mechanically activated metal or nonmetal implant including cardiac pacemaker, intracerebral vascular clips, or any other electrically sensitive support system; non-fixed metal in any part of the body; pregnancy (the effect of ultrasonic stimulation on the fetus is unknown); preexisting scalp lesion or wound or bone defect or hemicraniectomy; Significant upper motor deficits and the subject cannot do IVR sessions at the baseline; Inability to get a new MRI; Concerns about the inability to complete study visits/procedures by the PI.