Cerebellar Stimulation for Aphasia Rehabilitation

Launched by JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · Oct 13, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help people recover from language difficulties caused by a stroke, known as aphasia. The researchers want to see if a treatment called cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which involves sending a small electrical current to a specific part of the brain, can improve the effectiveness of language therapy. They are also looking to find out which patients are most likely to benefit from this treatment.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have experienced a stroke affecting the left side of the brain at least six months ago, and have a diagnosis of aphasia. Participants will receive multiple sessions of tDCS along with language therapy. The study is currently recruiting, and it’s important for potential participants to know that those with certain conditions, such as severe hearing or visual problems, or a history of specific neurological issues, will not qualify. Overall, this trial aims to improve recovery options for those dealing with the effects of stroke on their ability to communicate.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Chronic ischemic or hemorrhagic left hemisphere stroke
• • Fluent speaker of English by self-report
• • Age 18 or older
• • 6 months post onset of stroke
• • Diagnosis of aphasia and naming impairment using the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Lesion in the right cerebellum
• • Previous neurological disorder (other than stroke) affecting the brain, or any other neurodegenerative disorder or psychiatric disorder
• • Seizures during the previous 6 months
• • Uncorrected visual loss or hearing loss by self-report
• • Use of medications that lower the seizure threshold (e.g., methylphenidate)
• • Use of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists (e.g., memantine)
• • \>80% correct response on the Philadelphia Naming Testing at baseline
• • History of brain surgery or any metal in the head
• • Severely impaired auditory comprehension (lower than 2 on the Comprehension subscore on the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised)
• • Severely limited verbal output (lower than 2 on the Spontaneous Speech rating scale on the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised)
• • Individuals with severe claustrophobia, cardiac pacemakers or ferromagnetic implants, and pregnant women will be excluded from the MRI portion of the study.