Cerebellar stimulation to improve language recovery after stroke
Cerebellar Stimulation for Aphasia Rehabilitation
This study is testing if a special brain stimulation can help people who have trouble speaking after a stroke recover their language skills better when combined with speech therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT05093673 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an adjunct to speech and language therapy for individuals recovering from post-stroke aphasia. The research aims to determine whether multiple sessions of tDCS can enhance language recovery and identify which patients are most likely to benefit from this treatment. By targeting the right cerebellum, which is connected to language functions, the study seeks to improve neural plasticity and language skills in stroke survivors. The trial will be randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled to ensure robust results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older who are fluent in English, have experienced a left hemisphere stroke at least six months prior, and have a diagnosis of aphasia with naming impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with lesions in the right cerebellum or those with severe auditory comprehension or verbal output limitations may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance language recovery in stroke patients suffering from aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with cerebellar tDCS in improving language skills in stroke patients, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Chronic ischemic or hemorrhagic left hemisphere stroke * Fluent speaker of English by self-report * Age 18 or older * 6 months post onset of stroke * Diagnosis of aphasia and naming impairment using the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised Exclusion Criteria: * Lesion in the right cerebellum * Previous neurological disorder (other than stroke) affecting the brain, or any other neurodegenerative disorder or psychiatric disorder * Seizures during the previous 6 months * Uncorrected visual loss or hearing loss by self-report * Use of medications that lower the seizure threshold (e.g., methylphenidate) * Use of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists (e.g., memantine) * History of brain surgery or any metal in the head * Severely impaired auditory comprehension (lower than 2 on the Comprehension subscore on the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised) * Severely limited verbal output (lower than 2 on the Spontaneous Speech rating scale on the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised) * Individuals with severe claustrophobia, cardiac pacemakers or ferromagnetic implants, and pregnant women will be excluded from the MRI portion of the study.
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins Hospital — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rajani Sebastian, PhD — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Rajani Sebastian, PhD
- Email: rsebast3@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 410-502-2445
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.