High-definition brain stimulation for word-finding problems after chronic traumatic brain injury
Using High Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Guided by Electrophysiology and Diffusion Tensor Imaging to Treat Verbal Retrieval Deficits Secondary to Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury
This project uses targeted high-definition electrical brain stimulation guided by brain scans and EEG to help people with long-lasting word-finding problems after traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310877 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get targeted noninvasive electrical stimulation (HD-tDCS) to a brain area called the pre-SMA while researchers record brain activity with EEG. You will also have diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) scans to look at the white-matter pathways that link that area to language regions (including the left frontal aslant and fronto-striatal tracts). The team will compare how brain activity and white-matter health relate to any improvement in word-finding, and they will combine those measures to build models that predict who benefits. Both veterans and civilians with chronic TBI-related language problems are included.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic word-finding or verbal retrieval difficulties after traumatic brain injury (including veterans and civilians) who can undergo EEG and MRI and attend in-person visits are the best fit.
Not a fit: People whose language difficulties are caused by conditions other than TBI, who have severe cognitive impairment, implanted electronic devices, or MRI/tDCS contraindications may not be eligible or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce persistent word-finding problems and help tailor stimulation to people most likely to improve.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies of HD-tDCS targeting the pre-SMA have shown promise for improving verbal retrieval, but combining EEG and DTI to predict individual response is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiang, Hsueh-Sheng — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chiang, Hsueh-Sheng
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.