Status:

TERMINATED

Photic Blink Reflex in People With Blepharospasm and Increased Blinking

Lead Sponsor:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Conditions:

Blepharospasm

Eligibility:

All Genders

18+ years

Brief Summary

Background: Some people who have increased blinking may later develop blepharospasm. Blepharospasm is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary closing of the eyes. Researchers want to learn mo...

Detailed Description

Objective: * The purpose of the first study of this protocol is to improve understanding of the role played by light sensitivity in the pathophysiology of blepharospasm (BPS). * As a characteristic f...

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

  • INCLUSION CRITERIA:
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • For patients only: fulfill the criteria of
  • Primary BPS (either focal or related to segmental dystonia) in accordance with published criteria or
  • Excessive involuntary eyelid closure without sustained OO spasms in accordance with Conte et al + having a resting blink rate above 15 blinks per minute.
  • Ability to give informed consent.
  • Ability to comply with all study procedures.
  • Agree to consume no caffeine or alcohol for 12 hours before participating in the testing visits.
  • EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
  • Any of the following will exclude PATIENTS from the study:
  • Secondary causes of excessive involuntary eyelid closure such as ophthalmologist disorders involving the ocular surface, tear film, or eyelids.
  • Any evidence suggesting a psychogenic movement disorder such as persisting unilateral or asymmetric symptoms, paroxysmal symptoms, and other inconsistencies such as pain, associated somatizations, blinking diminished by distraction, unusual sensory tricks, or unexpected response.
  • Botulinum toxin treatment \< 3 months prior to a testing visit.
  • History of chronic exposure (\>3 month) to dopamine receptor blocking agents before the onset of increased blinking alone or BPS.
  • Any of the following will exclude BOTH patients and healthy controls from the study:
  • Has any major medical problem other than increased blinking or dystonia in patient groups (such as decompensated chronic diseases or conditions that cause serious disability such as congestive heart failure/NYHA score greater than or equal to 2, severe COPD, advanced neoplasia, severe arthritis, HIV/AIDS, blindness).
  • Employees, staff or fellows of HMCS in NINDS.
  • Has used illegal drugs within the past 6 months based on history. The intent is to exclude those with drug use that may affect study results.
  • Self-reported consumption of more than 7 alcoholic drinks a week in the case of a woman and 14 alcoholic drinks a week in the case of a man.
  • Abnormal findings on neurologic exam (other than increased blinking or dystonia in patient groups).
  • Presence of anatomical or functional eyelid abnormalities other than involuntary eyelid closure or OOs spasms (including apraxia of eyelid opening, and other disorders such as tics or tardive syndromes).
  • Has a neurologic disorder other than increased blinking or dystonia.
  • Has major depression or any major mental disorders (axis I disorders).
  • Has had a head injury where there was a loss of consciousness for more than a few seconds.
  • Has a deep brain stimulator, pacemaker or other implantable electronic device subject to malfunction by electrical stimulation.

Exclusion

    Key Trial Info

    Start Date :

    October 30 2017

    Trial Type :

    OBSERVATIONAL

    Allocation :

    ACTUAL

    End Date :

    April 24 2019

    Estimated Enrollment :

    17 Patients enrolled

    Trial Details

    Trial ID

    NCT03263000

    Start Date

    October 30 2017

    End Date

    April 24 2019

    Last Update

    April 26 2019

    Active Locations (1)

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    Page 1 of 1 (1 locations)

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    National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892