Mapping brain function to improve speech after stroke
Functional anomaly mapping of aphasia recovery
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11126616
This project uses a new brain mapping technique to understand how the brain recovers speech and communication abilities after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11126616 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
After a stroke, many people experience aphasia, which makes it difficult to communicate. While we know that the size and location of brain damage play a role, strokes also cause indirect changes in brain areas far from the initial injury, known as 'remote dysfunction.' This project uses a new machine learning method called functional anomaly mapping (FAM) with MRI scans to precisely map these indirect brain changes in individuals who have had a stroke. By tracking how these changes resolve over time, we hope to better understand how the brain recovers its ability to speak and communicate. This could lead to more personalized and effective ways to help people regain their speech.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals who have experienced a left-hemisphere stroke and are living with aphasia.
Not a fit: Patients whose communication difficulties are not related to a stroke or aphasia may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better predictions of aphasia recovery and more targeted therapies to help stroke survivors regain their communication skills.
How similar studies have performed: This project introduces a new machine learning approach to map brain dysfunction, offering a novel perspective on how the brain recovers from stroke-related communication difficulties.
Where this research is happening
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES
- GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY — WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEMARCO, ANDREW T — GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DEMARCO, ANDREW T
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.