The purpose of this study is to obtain preliminary data in advance of a larger clinical trial aimed to test whether a single session of green light exposure can lead to a clinically significant reduction in epileptic spikes in patients with medically-refractory epilepsy. As this is a potentially fragile patient population, the study will test safety and tolerability as well as efficacy.
The trial is designed to detect (1) change in spike frequency on EEG before and after exposure to low intensity green light, and (2) presence or absence of neurologic/systemic symptoms referable to exposure of the pre-selected duration, intensity, and band of green light. Our primary aim is to determine whether prolonged exposure (120 minutes) to a narrow band of green light (520-540 nm) at low intensities (1-10 cd/m2) alters the pattern of electrical activity in the cortex of epilepsy patients. The primary outcome measure for this aim will be the fraction of patients in which the number of epileptiform discharges (spikes or sharp waves) decrease, per recording, in response to green light exposure, as determined by spike frequency detected via scalp EEG before and after green light exposure. The investigators anticipate that the primary outcome measures of safety and tolerability will not differ from the previously established measures of green light exposure for migraine (Noseda et al. 2016). The investigators will use only low intensities (1-10 cd/m2) of green light which is well tolerated in adults and children (Main et al. 2000). In addition, given limited experience with conventional green light exposure in epilepsy, the investigators predict that post-exposure to green light, patients will have an improvement on the post-exposure EEG (decreased spike frequency).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
16
To test whether exposure to a narrow band of green light (520-540 nm) at low intensities (1-10 cd/m2) decreases interictal epileptiform discharges in patients with epilepsy. The overall hypothesis for this open-label trial is based on findings in patients with migraine that indicate an engagement of thalamocortical inhibitory circuits by green light.
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGEffects of exposure to a narrow band of green light (520-540 nm) at low intensities (1-10 cd/m2) on the pattern of electrical activity in the cortex of epilepsy patients.
The primary outcome measure for this aim will be the fraction of patients in which the number of epileptiform discharges (spikes or sharp waves) decrease, per recording, in response to green light exposure, as determined by spike frequency detected via scalp EEG before and after green light exposure.
Time frame: 120 minutes
To consider probable confounders, such as etiology and comorbidities, this information will be acquired with standardized NIH epilepsy data acquisition forms for (1):
Additional anticipated variable (1) patient demographics (age, gender, age of seizure onset, and epilepsy type), will be collected via a 'Demographics' Form.
Time frame: 10 minutes
To consider probable confounders, such as etiology and comorbidities, this information will be acquired through routine clinical care documentation by the study MD for (2):
Additional anticipated variable (2) EEG monitoring findings: The study MD will review prior clinical EEG findings per participant.
Time frame: 10 minutes
To consider probable confounders, such as etiology and comorbidities, this information will be acquired through routine clinical care documentation by the study MD for (3):
Additional anticipated variable (3) Imaging results: The study MD will review prior clinical imaging findings per participant.
Time frame: 10 minutes
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