VRT improves sight in acquired brain injury patients

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Centre have shown that lost sight can be recovered in victims of acquired brain injuries by using visual restoration therapy (VRT).

Measuring their results using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the scientists found that that brain activity was increased in stroke and acquired brain injury patients who were treated with VRT.

Led by Randolph S Marshall , associate professor of clinical neurology at the Division of Stroke and Critical Care at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, a team tested six patients aged between 35 and 77 who had lost some of their vision due to brain injuries they were not born with.

Using a computer to stimulate the eyes of patients, which they can do themselves in their own homes, scientists measured increased brain activity in those parts which process seeing. After doing this daily for a month, patients were able to detect movements on the areas of their sight field where they had previously been blind.

"This study is encouraging because the fMRI technique allowed us to see and compare the activity levels in specific regions of the brain before and during VRT. After examining the images, the increased activity levels demonstrate progress associated with the treatment," said Dr Marshall.

"Based on these initial results, we will continue to investigate the relationship between the imaging findings and the degree to which vision is recovered."

Dr Marshall's study was published in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair.


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