Hemianopsia Rehabilitation After Stroke or Brain Injury
If you've had a stroke or brain injury and now have problems seeing things out of the side of your eye (a condition called hemianopsia), this study might be for you. Researchers are investigating if a special computer program, shown as a PowerPoint presentation, can help improve your lost vision. They believe that the brain might be able to find new ways to process vision after an injury. The study involves watching specific images on a screen for a short time each week. By comparing vision before and after these exercises, the team hopes to understand if this type of visual training can make a real difference for people with hemianopsia.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a condition called hemianopsia, which means you've lost some of your side vision, often affecting one half of your visual field. This loss of vision can happen after a stroke or a brain injury. The main idea behind this research is to see if a simple method using a computer screen can help improve this condition.
Researchers think that after a brain injury, your brain might be able to find new ways to connect and process information. They want to test if showing specific images on a computer screen can encourage these new connections, helping you to see more of what you were missing. It’s like giving your brain a workout to help it recover. This is important because lots of people in the UK experience vision problems after a stroke, and finding ways to help them is a key goal.
The study will involve two groups of people. One group will view online news, and the other will view a special PowerPoint program designed for visual stimulation. Both groups will do this for 15 minutes, three days a week, for two months. After that, they'll switch groups for another two months. This comparison will help the researchers understand if the special visual exercises are more effective than just general screen time.
Key takeaways
- Researchers are testing if computer screen exercises can improve side vision after a stroke or brain injury.
- Participation involves 15 minutes of screen time, three times a week, for four months.
- The study aims to see if the brain can recover visual function through stimulation.
- You must be over 18 and have specific vision loss, but no light-induced seizures.
- Your vision will be checked before and after the study period.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You must have a specific type of vision loss called homonymous hemianopsia or quadranopsia, which means you've lost vision in the same part of your visual field in both eyes.
It’s also important that you can understand and sign a consent form, meaning you can agree to take part after having everything explained to you. You also need to be able to communicate in English.
However, if you're someone who has seizures triggered by flashing lights, you won't be able to join. This is because the visual tests and the PowerPoint programme used in the study involve flashing lights, which could be unsafe for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with homonymous hemianopsia or quadranopsia?
- Can you understand and speak English?
- Do you feel comfortable providing informed consent for a study?
- Do you NOT have seizures triggered by flashing lights?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the study will last for a total of four months. For the first two months, you'll be placed into one of two groups. If your birth year is an odd number (like 1971, 1973), you'll be asked to watch 15 minutes of online news on a computer screen, three days a week. If your birth year is an even number (like 1970, 1972), you'll watch a special 15-minute PowerPoint program three days a week. After these first two months, the groups will switch over for another two months, so you'll get to try the other activity. During the study, researchers will also collect some information about your health and lifestyle, like your age, sex, and how much TV or phone you usually watch, as well as details about your stroke or injury. Your vision will be checked again at the end of the four months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Eye Institute of Alberta, Royal Alexandra HospitalVerified postcodeEdmonton, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is hemianopsia?
Hemianopsia is when you lose some of your side vision, meaning you can't see properly out of one side of your visual field, often in both eyes.
How long will the study last?
The study will last for a total of four months, with two different activities spread over this time.
What do I have to do each week?
You'll need to spend 15 minutes, three days a week, either watching online news or a special computer program, depending on which group you're in.
Are there any risks to taking part?
The main risk is for people who have seizures triggered by flashing lights, as the study involves these. If this is you, you won't be able to participate.
Can I stop participating if I change my mind?
Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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