Exploring the effects of blue light on vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy treatment

Effect of Blue Light on Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Refractory Epilepsy

Not applicable Interventional Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT06304389

This study is testing if blue light can make vagus nerve stimulation work better for people with epilepsy who still have seizures despite treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorCliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain Academic / other
Locations1 site (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert)
Trial IDNCT06304389 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how exposure to blue light may enhance the effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in patients suffering from refractory epilepsy. VNS is an established treatment, but many patients do not experience sufficient relief from their seizures. By examining various biomarkers associated with VNS action, the study aims to determine if blue light can improve the efficacy of this treatment. The methodology includes the use of electroencephalography, electrocardiograms, and other assessments to monitor the effects of light exposure on patients with VNS implants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-60 with VNS implants for at least three months and a normal IQ or mild cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with other implanted medical devices or ocular diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved seizure control for patients with refractory epilepsy.

How similar studies have performed: While VNS is a well-established treatment, the combination with blue light exposure is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients:

VNS implanted since at least 3 months age \>18-60 years; IQ \>55 on Wechsler scale (normal status or mild cognitive impairment)

healthy participants aged between 18 and 35 years without any medical history (neurological / psychiatric disease)

Exclusion criteria:

Patients:

other medical implanted devices than VNS, ocular diseases

Helthy participants:

medical implanted devices, cerebral trauma, ocular disease

Where this trial is running

Woluwe-Saint-Lambert

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Refractory Epilepsy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.