Using brain stimulation to help improve speech in stroke patients with aphasia
Cerebellar stimulation for Aphasia Rehabilitation
This study is looking at whether a gentle, noninvasive brain stimulation technique can help people with aphasia after a stroke improve their speech and language skills more effectively than regular therapy alone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10898840 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) applied to the right cerebellum to enhance speech and language treatment for individuals suffering from aphasia after a stroke. The approach is noninvasive and painless, aiming to improve neural plasticity, which is crucial for recovery. Participants will undergo a randomized trial comparing the effects of real stimulation versus a sham treatment over 15 sessions. The goal is to determine if this novel stimulation technique can lead to better language outcomes than traditional therapies alone.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced a stroke and are currently facing challenges with speech and language due to aphasia.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had a stroke or those with other neurological conditions unrelated to aphasia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve speech recovery in stroke patients with aphasia, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with tDCS in enhancing language recovery, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sebastian, Rajani — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sebastian, Rajani
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.