Enhancing speech-language treatment for stroke patients with aphasia using brain stimulation
Targeted Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Enhance Speech-Language Treatment Outcome in Persons With Chronic Post-Stroke Aphasia
This study is testing if adding brain stimulation to speech therapy can help stroke survivors with aphasia improve their language skills better than just therapy alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of New Mexico Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Albuquerque, New Mexico) |
| Trial ID | NCT04432883 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to recruit 62 patients who are at least one year post-stroke and have developed aphasia as a result. Participants will undergo four assessment sessions and 15 treatment sessions involving targeted transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the right Inferior Frontal Gyrus, combined with a specific language therapy. The study will compare the effectiveness of active tDCS versus sham stimulation in improving language outcomes. Assessments will be conducted before treatment, immediately after, and at a three-month follow-up to evaluate the impact of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 25-85 who are more than six months post-stroke and have a diagnosis of aphasia.
Not a fit: Patients with comorbid neurological diseases or significant mood disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve communication abilities in patients with chronic post-stroke aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using brain stimulation to enhance language therapy outcomes, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. aged 25-85 2. must be greater than 6 months post-stroke 3. must have a diagnosis of aphasia based on impaired performance on the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised, Boston Naming Test, or during discourse production 4. must be left-hemisphere dominant as demonstrated by aphasia onset subsequent to left hemisphere damage 5. must be stimulable for naming Exclusion Criteria: 1. comorbid neurological disease. 2. damage to the anterior right hemisphere. 3. significant mood disorder. 4. substance/alcohol dependence or abuse within the past year 5. presence of any implanted electrical device or contraindications to tDCS or MRI 6. recent medical instability (within 4 weeks) 7. pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Albuquerque, New Mexico
- University of New Mexico Center for Brain Recovery and Repair — Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jessica Richardson, Ph.D. — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Jessica Richardson, Ph.D.
- Email: jdrichardson@unm.edu
- Phone: 505 277-1765
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.