Safety of repeated sessions of galvanic vestibular stimulation following stroke: a single-case study.
OBJECTIVE
Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) involves the delivery of small electrical current to the part of the scalp that overlies the vestibular nerves. A single, brief session transiently reduces certain types of stroke impairment with no reported side-effects. It is anticipated that further reductions will occur if the duration and frequency of stimulation is increased. The aim of the present study was to assess whether this increased exposure is well-tolerated and consistent with patient well-being.


METHODS
GVS was administered to a stroke sufferer on 5 consecutive days, each for 30 minutes at an intensity of 1 milliamp. Tolerability was monitored via a range of behavioural scales sensitive to side-effects experienced during and after stimulation.


RESULTS
No unpleasant sensations were reported during stimulation and no deterioration in global function was observed over the 5-day period.


CONCLUSIONS
The results imply that repeated applications of GVS are tolerable at the parameter settings applied and provide the basis for larger-scale investigations of safety and efficacy.
Wilkinson
David
D
Department of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK. dtw@kent.ac.uk
Zubko
Olga
O
Sakel
Mohamed
M
D000368:Aged; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000502:physiology