Using brain stimulation and therapy to improve language after mild strokes
Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Constraint Induced Language Therapy to Treat Mild Post-Stroke Aphasia
This study is testing a new way to help people with mild post-stroke aphasia improve their language skills by using a special brain stimulation technique along with a tailored speech therapy, and it's designed for those looking to regain their communication abilities after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11058156 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treat mild post-stroke aphasia, a condition that affects language abilities. It combines a technique called continuous Theta Burst Stimulation (cTBS), which uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain activity, with a modified speech therapy known as Constraint Induced Language Therapy (mCILT). Over a treatment period of 10 days, participants will receive personalized stimulation based on their individual brain responses, followed by evaluations to assess improvements in language function. The study aims to determine if this combined treatment can enhance communication abilities in individuals with mild aphasia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a mild stroke and are diagnosed with mild post-stroke aphasia.
Not a fit: Patients with severe aphasia or those who have not had a stroke may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option that significantly improves language skills for patients with mild post-stroke aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation combined with speech therapy can improve language function in more severe cases of aphasia, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coslett, H Branch — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Coslett, H Branch
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.