Prefrontal brain stimulation to ease post-stroke fatigue and help language and attention in aphasia
Pre-Frontal tDCS as a novel intervention to reduce effects of post-stroke fatigue while improving language and attention in aphasia
['FUNDING_R01'] · SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11231739
This project uses gentle electrical stimulation to the front of the brain to help people with aphasia after stroke feel less tired and improve attention and language.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11231739 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you had a stroke and have aphasia with ongoing fatigue, researchers will deliver low‑level transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex while monitoring language and attention. The team will compare changes in tiredness, attention tasks, and language comprehension before and after treatment. Sessions are done in person and use established neuromodulation methods alongside language tasks to encourage brain recovery. The work aims to boost the brain’s ability to relearn language by reducing fatigue and improving cognition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have had a stroke that caused aphasia and who are experiencing persistent post-stroke fatigue and attention or language difficulties would be the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without stroke-related aphasia, whose fatigue comes from non-stroke causes, or who cannot undergo brain stimulation for medical reasons may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce post-stroke fatigue and make speech and attention therapies more effective for people with aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous tDCS studies have improved language and attention after stroke, but using prefrontal tDCS specifically to reduce post-stroke fatigue while improving both attention and language is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES
- SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY — SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RILEY, ELLYN — SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: RILEY, ELLYN
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.