Cerebellar TMS to Improve Thinking After Stroke
HOPE From the Cerebellum: TMS-Induced Cognitive Recovery After Stroke
This will test whether short courses of cerebellar intermittent theta burst stimulation (a type of rTMS) can improve thinking and memory in people who recently had an ischemic stroke and now have cognitive problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beijing Tiantan Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing) |
| Trial ID | NCT06316557 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional trial compares active cerebellar intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) to a sham procedure in people with cognitive impairment after recent ischemic stroke. Participants receive iTBS applied to the cerebellar hemisphere opposite the lesion twice daily for five days, while the control group receives sham stimulation with identical positioning and timing. Eligibility focuses on early ischemic stroke (initial event within about two weeks) and measurable cognitive impairment (MoCA < 26); key exclusions include hemorrhagic stroke and a history of epilepsy. Primary endpoints include change in cognitive measures and monitoring for adverse events to characterize safety and short-term efficacy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with a recent ischemic stroke (within about two weeks) who have measurable cognitive impairment (MoCA < 26) and no history of seizures or brain hemorrhage.
Not a fit: People with hemorrhagic strokes, a history of epilepsy, no measurable cognitive impairment (MoCA ≥ 26), or who cannot travel for twice-daily sessions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a short, noninvasive treatment to help speed recovery of thinking, memory, and daily function after ischemic stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Other small studies of rTMS for post-stroke cognitive or motor recovery have shown promising but preliminary results, and cerebellar iTBS specifically remains relatively novel with limited clinical data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Key inclusion criteria: (1)ischemic stroke, with an initial incident occurring within 2 weeks;(2)MoCA\<26; Key exclusion criteria: (1)Cerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage;(2)A pre-existing history of epilepsy;
Where this trial is running
Beijing
- Beijing Tiantan hospital — Beijing, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zixiao LI, Dr. — Beijing Tiantan Hospital
- Study coordinator: Weili Jia, Dr.
- Email: jiawl1994@163.com
- Phone: +86 13120207987
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.