Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation + Language Therapy to Treat Mild Aphasia

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · Feb 18, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether a treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), when combined with Speech-Language Therapy (SLT), can help improve talking and understanding for people with mild aphasia following a stroke. Aphasia is a condition that affects a person's ability to communicate. The researchers want to find out if this combined approach can make a real difference, and they will also look for specific traits in participants that might help them benefit more from the treatment.

To take part in the trial, participants must have had a stroke in the left side of their brain more than six months ago and must have mild aphasia. They should also be proficient in English. Those who join will complete a series of screenings, have an MRI scan, and then attend 10 sessions of TMS and SLT over two weeks. After the treatment, participants will have follow-up assessments to see how they are doing. The study is currently recruiting participants of all genders aged 18 and older.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Left Hemisphere stroke
• • Stroke occurred more than 6 months ago
• • Mild Aphasia (WAB AQ score \> 85)
• • Proficient in English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Ongoing substance or alcohol abuse
• • Other neurological disorders, beside stroke (i.e. dementia, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis)
• • Active psychiatric disorders (i.e. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
• • Pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator
• • Diagnosis of tinnitus
• • Epilepsy, or seizure in the past 6 months