Abstract Details

Title Remotely monitored home-based transcranial alternating current stimulation for mal de debarquement syndrome

Topic Neuro-ophthalmology/Neuro-otology

Presentation(s) Neuro-ophthalmology/Neuro-otology Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 025

Background

Treatment options for MdDS are limited, costly, and difficult to access. This study explored the viability of an at-home, self-administered tACS program for treatment of MdDS. The study was added as an extension of an on-site tACS study for medically refractory MdDS.

Objective To determine whether remotely monitored at-home Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) may be an effective and safe treatment option for Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS).

Design/Methods

Thirteen participants (all women) ages 22-67 years with duration of illness ranging from 11-72 months were initially part of an on-site study in which they were administered 3 counter-balanced tACS protocols relative to their individual alpha frequency (IAF): (1) in-phase, (2) anti-phase, or (3) 40Hz control. Participants in this extension phase were selected because they did not respond to the on-site protocol or they had responded but the effect had waned. A tablet controlled tACS stimulator (Pulvinar XCSITE100) remotely controlled by the investigators along with treatment accessories were mailed to participants’ homes. Teaching sessions were performed via webcam. Daily treatment sessions of 20-minutes continued until an effective protocol was reached for 4 weeks. Ineffective protocols could be remotely changed after a 2-week trial. Participants underwent a tapering phase and completed post-treatment questionnaires. Participants completed weekly diaries and a blinded satisfaction survey at the completion of the study.

Results Of the 13 participants: 1) Seven agreed/strongly agreed that tACS treatment was beneficial; 2) Eight showed a lasting decrease in symptoms; 3) Eleven preferred stimulation above their IAF; 4) Eight preferred in-phase versus five preferring anti-phase stimulation; 5) Twelve were comfortable utilizing tACS on their own after study conclusion.

Conclusions At-home tACS is a viable treatment alternative for MdDS, with the possibility of lasting outcomes, increased accessibility, and benefit of reduction in travel. Larger studies are necessary to assess the role of the IAF in protocol selection.

Authors/Disclosures
PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
Diamond M. Gleghorn (Laureate Institute for Brain Research)	Mrs. Gleghorn has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Laureate Institute for Brain Research.
Benjamin Chipper Doudican (Laureate Institute for Brain Research)	Mr. Doudican has nothing to disclose.
Yoon-Hee Cha, MD, FAAN (University of Minnesota)	The institution of Dr. Cha has received research support from Mal de Debarquement Balance Disorders Foundation. Dr. Cha has received research support from University of Minnesota. Dr. Cha has received research support from MNDrive.