Exploring the effects of TMS on language processing in stroke and aphasia
Probing Language Processes Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
This study tests whether Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can help improve language skills in people who have had a stroke and struggle with aphasia, as well as in healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 135 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT05425615 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on individuals who have experienced a stroke and suffer from aphasia, as well as healthy participants. It employs a randomized, within-subject design to assess the effects of TMS on semantic and phonological language processes, both in isolation and in interaction with other cognitive functions. The study aims to identify how TMS can influence language processing by targeting specific brain regions associated with these functions, based on prior neuroimaging and neuropsychological research.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include right-handed adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with a left hemisphere stroke and are fluent in English.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, unstable psychiatric conditions, or certain medical implants may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for enhancing language recovery in stroke survivors with aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using TMS for language processing have shown promising results, suggesting that this approach may be effective in enhancing language recovery.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with left hemisphere stroke * Consent date \>= 1 month after stroke onset * Right-handed * Fluent in English * 18 years of age or older Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive, auditory or visual impairments that would preclude cognitive and language testing * Non-decisional per decisionality questionnaire or other clinical assessment * Presence of major untreated or unstable psychiatric disease (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disease) * A chronic medical condition that is not treated or is unstable * Presence of 1. cardiac stimulators or pacemakers or intracardiac lines 2. neurostimulators 3. medication infusion device 4. any other implants near the scalp (e.g., cochlear implants) or in the eye 5. metal in the body * Pregnancy * History of skull fractures, or skin diseases * History of ongoing or unmanaged seizures or a family history of epilepsy * Presence of factors that potentially decrease seizure thresholds * On pro-convulsant medications * Untreated Sleep deprivation or insomnia * Ongoing alcoholism or illegal drug abuse (e.g., cocaine or MDMA users) * History of dyslexia or other developmental learning disabilities
Where this trial is running
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Priyanka Shah-Basak, PhD — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Sidney Schoenrock
- Email: sschoenrock@mcw.edu
- Phone: 414-955-7579
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.