Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Brain Organization and Naming in Aphasic Patients.

Launched by ADRIAN GUGGISBERG · Oct 4, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help patients who have difficulty speaking after having a stroke, a condition known as aphasia. The researchers are using a technique called High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS), which safely sends a low electrical current to the brain to help improve communication skills. They believe that this stimulation can enhance the connection between different areas of the brain involved in language, making it easier for patients to learn new words and improve their speech.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have had a stroke more than a year ago, and experience challenges with finding words or naming objects. They should also be able to speak French and participate in sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Participants will receive the brain stimulation while engaging in a task designed to help them learn new verbs. It’s important to note that some people may not be able to join, such as those with certain medical conditions or devices in their bodies. Overall, this trial aims to explore how targeted brain stimulation can support language recovery in stroke survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
• • Presence of aphasia with difficulty finding words and/or naming objects/pictures
• • ≥12 months post-stroke
• • ≥ 18 years of age
• • French-speaking
• • Able to participate in 30-60 min therapeutic sessions (good concentration and understanding of the task and ability to follow instructions
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients unable to understand the given information on the study and its objectives, or instructions for tasks performed.
• • Impaired alertness or delirium
• • Severe co-morbidity affecting speech
• • Contraindication to tDCS: pregnant women, patients with active implants such as pacemakers or cochlear implants, patients with one or more seizures, metal objects in the brain
• • Occurrence of a new stroke during the study protocol.