Protocol Number: 07-N-0066

Title:

Direct Current Brain Polarization of Bilateral Prefrontal Cortex

Number:

07-N-0066

Summary:

This study will explore what effects, if any, direct current (DC) brain polarization may produce on mental processes, such as attention, reaction time, working memory, speed of information processing and mood or emotional states. In DC brain polarization, a very weak electrical current is applied to the head. This technique has been used for many years on patients and healthy people with no known serious side effects. Studies have shown that DC polarization can temporarily improve people's ability to think of certain words. To determine if DC polarization can be used as a treatment for certain types of brain disorders, its possible effects on mood and other mental abilities must be determined.

Healthy normal volunteers over age 18 may be eligible for this study.

In each of three 1.5-hour sessions scheduled a day apart, participants complete the tasks listed below to determine the effects of polarization. For each session, electrodes are placed on the head, arm, and hand. One set of electrodes is for brain stimulation; the second set is used to measure the amount of skin moisture on the hand. The participants' tasks are to:

-Push a button on a keyboard when they see a specific item.

-Circle a number or make a mark on a line to indicate how much they feel a particular emotion or sensation at that time.

-Answer questions about themselves, or their opinions on certain topics.

-Look at several pictures and say how emotional they think they are.

-Read about an imaginary situation and say what they would do in that situation.

-Choose between decks of cards to try to win money.

-Compare the angles of lines.

-Identify smells, using a scratch and sniff test.

-At the end of the session, say how they are feeling.

Participants are called by phone on the day after each session to see how they are feeling.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Participants currently recruited/enrolled

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): Children

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Healthy volunteers over age 18. Pregnant women are eligible.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Presence of metal in the cranial cavity or any holes in the skull due to trauma or surgery.

Uncontrolled medical problems, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, airway disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or any other condition that poses a risk for the subject during participation.

Broken skin in the area of the electrodes.

Any history of a neurological or psychiatric disorder.

Special Instructions:

Currently Not Provided

Keywords:

Mood

Emotion

Judgment

Cortex

Brain Stimulation

Recruitment Keyword(s):

Healthy Volunteer

HV

Condition(s):

Healthy

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Intervention(s):

Procedure/Surgery: DC Polarization

Supporting Site:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Contact(s):

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citation(s):

Bechara A, Tranel D, Damasio H, Damasio AR. Failure to respond autonomically to anticipated future outcomes following damage to prefrontal cortex. Cereb Cortex. 1996 Mar-Apr;6(2):215-25.

BINDMAN LJ, LIPPOLD OC, REDFEARN JW. Long-lasting changes in the level of the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex produced bypolarizing currents. Nature. 1962 Nov 10;196:584-5. No abstract available.

CREUTZFELDT OD, FROMM GH, KAPP H. Influence of transcortical d-c currents on cortical neuronal activity. Exp Neurol. 1962 Jun;5:436-52. No abstract available.

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
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