Targeted TDCS to Enhance Speech-Language Treatment Outcome in Persons With Chronic Post-Stroke Aphasia.

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO · Jun 11, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help people who have difficulty speaking due to a stroke that happened more than a year ago, a condition known as aphasia. The researchers want to see if a treatment called targeted transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve the results of speech-language therapy. In this study, 62 participants will receive either active stimulation or a placebo (sham) stimulation while undergoing a specific type of speech therapy over 15 days. They will have assessments to track their progress before treatment, right after treatment, and again three months later.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be between 25 and 85 years old, have had a stroke at least a year ago, and have a confirmed diagnosis of aphasia. It's important that they show some ability to improve their naming skills during the screening process. However, individuals with certain neurological conditions, significant mood disorders, or those who are pregnant cannot participate. Throughout the study, participants can expect to engage in therapy sessions and assessments that will help researchers understand how effective this treatment approach is for improving communication abilities after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. aged 25-85
• • 2. must be greater than 6 months post-stroke
• • 3. must have a diagnosis of aphasia based on impaired performance on the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised, Boston Naming Test, or during discourse production
• • 4. must be left-hemisphere dominant as demonstrated by aphasia onset subsequent to left hemisphere damage
• • 5. must be stimulable for naming
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. comorbid neurological disease.
• • 2. damage to the anterior right hemisphere.
• • 3. significant mood disorder.
• • 4. substance/alcohol dependence or abuse within the past year
• • 5. presence of any implanted electrical device or contraindications to tDCS or MRI
• • 6. recent medical instability (within 4 weeks)
• • 7. pregnancy