Using electrical stimulation to improve recovery after stroke
Official title: Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Stroke EaRly After onset Clinical Trial-2 (TESSERACT 2)
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10984220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a gentle electrical treatment called C-tDCS to see if it can help people who have had a recent stroke by protecting their brain and improving their recovery, especially for those who can’t use standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $800,331 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3NS134619-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced an acute ischemic stroke and are not eligible for standard reperfusion therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have had a hemorrhagic stroke or those who are too far along in their recovery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (C-tDCS) as a non-invasive treatment for patients who have suffered an acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The approach involves applying a weak electrical current through electrodes placed on the scalp to target ischemic brain tissue, potentially protecting it from further damage and enhancing blood flow. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique in improving patient outcomes, particularly in those who are not candidates for traditional reperfusion therapies. By focusing on individual patient needs, the research seeks to provide a tailored treatment option that could lead to better recovery rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for stroke patients, potentially improving their recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar neuromodulatory techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bahr Hosseini, Mersedeh — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Bahr Hosseini, Mersedeh
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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.