Mapping and perception of phosphenes in healthy human volunteers using EEG electrode stimulation Not Applicable
Conditions
Interventions
The device is a custom-made cutaneous superficial stimulator that administers charge-neutral current waveforms across multiple electrode combinations. "Phosphotron" was the name coined by Steven Beck
Sponsors
Toronto Metropolitan University
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Healthy individuals: participants should not have any known neurological disorders or visual impairments 2. Age range: participants should be within the age range of 22-60 years 3. Consent: all participants must provide informed consent before participating in the study 4. No prior experience: participants should not have prior experience with non-invasive transcranial alternating current stimulation (NITACS) to ensure unbiased reporting of phosphenes 5. Ability to follow instructions: participants should be able to sit still, focus on a central point, and report their experiences accurately during the stimulation sessions 6. No known allergies or sensitivities: participants should not have allergies or sensitivities to any of the materials used, such as the Ten20 electrode paste or the gauze pad 7. History: no past history of recreational/prescription drug use (specifically hallucinogens, stimulants, anti-psychotics, anti-anxiety, SSRIs, cannabinoids, and tranquillizers), panic attacks, migraines, and agoraphobia
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Does not meet the inclusion criteria
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Phosphene perception and spatial localization are measured using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis of drawings on a smartboard, post-stimulation for each of the 64 stimulation events. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Stimulation threshold for phosphene perception measured using gradual current intensity increase until phosphene detection, determined at the beginning of each participant's session. Thus, finding optimal stimulation settings. 2. Phosphene stimulation efficacy for each channel measured using the percentage of channel-specific trials where phosphene perception was reported, assessed post-stimulation for each of the 64 stimulation events. 3. Spatial orientation of the overall phosphene distribution measured using a complete summation of all phosphene drawings, assessed post-stimulation for each of the 64 stimulation events. 4. Safety and comfort of participants measured by monitoring for signs of discomfort or adverse effects, continuously observed throughout each participant's session. | — |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed