Curious about Science #52: Visual verticality perception disorder in stroke patients
"Curious About Science" features an episode focusing on a significant yet often overlooked issue affecting stroke survivors: a disorder related to visual vertical perception. This condition occurs when the brain loses its ability to understand orientation, making it difficult for individuals to recognize what is "up" or "down." This disorder is common after strokes, which are a leading cause of disability worldwide. It can lead to imbalances, falls, and difficulties in daily activities such as walking. The episode discusses research conducted by physiotherapist Diandra Bose Favorito, which is divided into two parts. The first part examines how visual vertical perception disorders affect recovery in over 100 stroke patients, utilizing various assessment methods. The research indicates that a significant number of patients do not fully recover in the initial months post-stroke and identifies specific thresholds that can help evaluate the severity of the disorder and its impact on functionality. The second phase of the study investigates the use of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS), a technique that applies low-intensity electric currents to specific brain areas to stimulate their function. The study included two patients who showed promising improvements in their ability to identify visual vertical cues following the stimulation, with no adverse effects reported, suggesting the technique is both safe and effective in treating such disorders. The research highlights the connection between visual perception disorders and patient functionality, proposing that electrical stimulation could be a valuable tool in treatment. Diandra Bose Favorito defended her doctoral thesis in 2023, under Professor Thaís Elaine Grespan Santos, as part of the Postgraduate Program in Neurology. This episode of "Curious About Science," produced by USP Radio and the "Doutor Fisiologia" startup, emphasizes the importance of research that impacts health and well-being.