Improving word retrieval in brain injury patients using electric stimulation
Using High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Treat Verbal Retrieval Deficits Secondary to Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (HDtDCS-CTBI)
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help people with traumatic brain injuries improve their ability to find and use words.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas at Dallas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Richardson, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06840808 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on enhancing verbal retrieval in civilians with a history of traumatic brain injury. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or sham treatment over 10 sessions, with assessments of cognitive abilities and brain activity conducted before, during, and after the intervention. The study will also explore how individual differences in cognition and concussion history may predict treatment responses. Follow-up evaluations will occur two months after the initial treatment to assess long-term effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are civilians aged 18-85 who have experienced a traumatic brain injury over a year ago and currently struggle with word finding.
Not a fit: Patients with implanted electronic devices, significant neurological disorders, or those who are military personnel or veterans may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve communication abilities for patients suffering from word finding difficulties due to traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in cognitive rehabilitation is gaining interest, this specific application for word retrieval in civilian traumatic brain injury patients is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 18-85 * Traumatic brain injury more than a year prior to study participation * Word finding difficulty since the brain injury * Fluent in speaking and reading English. Exclusion Criteria: * Implanted/electronic device, such as a pacemaker, metallic cranial or intracranial implant (e.g., ventriculoperitoneal shunt), or a neurostimulator (e.g., vagus nerve stimulator, spinal stimulator, deep brain stimulator, etc.). * Skull defects * History of a psychological or neurological disorder, including, dementia of any type, epilepsy or other seizure disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, brain tumor, present drug abuse, stroke, blood vessel abnormalities in the brain, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or multiple sclerosis. * Inability to give informed consent * Military personnel or Veteran * Currently pregnant * Not fluent English speaker
Where this trial is running
Richardson, Texas
- The University of Texas at Dallas — Richardson, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: John Hart, MD — The University of Texas at Dallas
- Study coordinator: Ashna Adhikari, MS
- Email: ashna.adhikari@utdallas.edu
- Phone: 469-708-4925
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.