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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Published on: April 12, 2016
Safety of repeated sessions of galvanic vestibular stimulation following stroke: a single-case study
David Wilkinson1, Olga Zubko, Mohamed Sakel
1Department of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK. dtw@kent.ac.uk
Primary Objective:
Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) involves the delivery of small electrical current to the part of the scalp that overlies the vestibular nerves. A single, brief session transiently reduces certain types of stroke impairment with no reported side-effects. It is anticipated that further reductions will occur if the duration and frequency of stimulation is increased. The aim of the present study was to assess whether this increased exposure is well-tolerated and consistent with patient well-being.
Methods And Procedures:
GVS was administered to a stroke sufferer on 5 consecutive days, each for 30 minutes at an intensity of 1 milliamp. Tolerability was monitored via a range of behavioural scales sensitive to side-effects experienced during and after stimulation.
Results:
No unpleasant sensations were reported during stimulation and no deterioration in global function was observed over the 5-day period.
Conclusion:
The results imply that repeated applications of GVS are tolerable at the parameter settings applied and provide the basis for larger-scale investigations of safety and efficacy.