Treatment Outcomes With tDCS in Post-Stroke Aphasia

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS · Apr 25, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people who have difficulty speaking after a stroke, a condition known as post-stroke aphasia. Researchers want to see if combining a special type of brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with traditional language therapy can help improve speech and language skills more effectively. The study will look at how this treatment works in the brain and if it leads to better recovery outcomes for patients.

To participate in this trial, individuals need to be between 18 and 80 years old, have had a stroke affecting the left side of the brain at least six months ago, and speak English fluently. However, those with severe language comprehension problems, certain neurological conditions, or who are pregnant cannot join. Participants will engage in language therapy sessions supplemented with brain stimulation, and throughout the trial, researchers will monitor their progress and any changes in brain function. This study aims to provide new insights into effective treatments for improving communication abilities after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Presence of post-stroke aphasia
• • Single left hemisphere stroke etiology
• • At least 6 months post-stroke
• • Age range between 18 and 80 years old
• • Speak English as a native language
• • Adequate hearing and vision to complete the tasks
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe auditory comprehension deficits (determined by pretest) (i.e., global aphasia, Wernicke's aphasia, transcortical sensory aphasia)
• • Inability to provide informed consent
• • Co-occurring history of neurological disease/disorder/injury (e.g., traumatic brain injury, right hemisphere stroke, dementia)
• • Co-occurring history of a major mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, drug addiction, bipolar)
• • Clinical conditions contraindicated for MRI or tDCS (e.g., implanted electrical devices, claustrophobia, seizure disorder)
• • Positive pregnancy test (for females)