Non-invasive Stimulation in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Intellectual impairments are a significant cause of morbidity in children with birth defects along with long term implication on academic and occupational functioning. Long lasting functional changes in the brain occur when children learn new things or memorise new information. Enhancing this and learning is a key objective inneurodevelopment and neuro-rehabilitation. This is pilot study aimed at testing a experimental neuroscience technique, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tCDS) on the cognitive functioning of the brain in children with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). tDCS is an established research tool and has the potential for ameliorating the cognitive impairments associated with NF1. There is a growing interest in the use of tDCS in children but to our knowledge there have been no reported studies using tDCS intervention in NF1. 16 children aged 11-16 years will be recruited through the Manchester Centre of Genomic Medicine NF1 database. Participants will be randomised to receive active or sham tDCS. The treatment will be delivered for 20 minutes for 3 days. In the experimental group a 1mA current will be applied for 20 mins ; in sham tDCS the electrodes will be placed in an identical spot but the current is ramped down to 30 seconds to prevent stimulation. The aim of the study is to look into the acceptability and feasibility of using tDCS intervention within the NF1 group, obtain pilot data on the effect of tDCS on EEG (Electroencephalogram), cognitive and behavioural measures.

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Key information

Conditions

Neurofibromatosis 1 Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Genetic Diseases, Inborn Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System Neoplasms Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary Nerve Sheath Neoplasms Nervous System Diseases Neurocutaneous Syndromes Neurodegenerative Diseases Neurofibroma Neurofibromatoses Neuromuscular Diseases Peripheral Nervous System Diseases

Age range

11 year–16 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Manchester

Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9QQ, United Kingdom

About this study

16 children between the age of 11-16 years will be recruited through Manchester Centre of Genomic Medicine NF1 Database. The participants will be randomly assigned to 2 groups- active and sham treatment based on a computer generated random allocation list. The assessors will remain blind to treatment allocation.

On day 1, parents will be requested to complete well validated and standardised questionnaires. Baseline recording of the brain activity EEG(Electroencephalogram) will be measured and the baseline cognitive assessments will be completed on the participants. tCDS will be administered for 20 minutes alongside a simultaneous training task for working memory. Days 2, the tDCS (active or sham) will be delivered simultaneous with the training task for 20 minutes. On day 3, the tDCS intervention will be delivered followed by repeating the outcome measures similar to day 1.

A questionnaire investigating side-effects be will be completed by participant after each stimulation.Participants will be invited back to the lab 30 days (+/- 7 days) after the end of intervention to assess the longevity of any treatment effects.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

children aged 11-16 years
With a confirmed diagnosis (wither clinical or genetic) of Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Informed consent/assent

Exclusion criteria

Child on active treatment for any NF1 related complications (such as chemotherapy for optic glioma)
Children with a known history of Epilepsy or on anti-epileptic medication
Children with poor verbal communication
Children with cardiac pacemakers, joint replacements or metal implants will be excluded.
Children with any previous operations to their head will be excluded.

Treatment and study plan

transcranial direct current stimulation

Other

tDCS is an established research tool for non-invasive modulation of neuroplasticity. It has shown promise as a neurorehabilitation tool and demonstrated positive effects in various clinical conditions such as Alzheimer's, stroke, childhood psychosis, epilepsy and dystonias. tDCS uses low-intensity DC currents to modulate spontaneous neuronal network activity by altering the resting membrane potential.

Other names: Non-invasive brain stimulation

Primary outcomes

n-back test

Time frame: Day 3 of intervention

visuo-spatial and auditory n-back test to assess working memory

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Manchester

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Use of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Working Memory Deficits in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Acronym: tDCS is NF1

Important dates

Study start: 2017
Primary completion: 2018
Study completion: 2018
First posted: Oct 16, 2017
Registry last updated: Apr 24, 2019

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

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