Neurostimulation to improve speech after a stroke

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of 75Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) combined with therapeutic linguistic tasks for individuals suffering from post-stroke aphasia. The study aims to enhance speech-language processing by applying brain stimulation to the motor cortex, potentially improving communication abilities in patients. Participants will undergo assessments to determine their eligibility based on their aphasia severity and other criteria. The goal is to develop a more effective rehabilitation protocol for those affected by this challenging condition.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Individuals with aphasia (assessed using the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination) who perform the Naming Task in the range of 10%-60% accuracy will be included in the study. The overall baseline score in the Naming Task will be estimated from the two baseline measurements.

Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of aphasia: Broca's or mixed (based on the assessment of a Speech Language Pathologist).
* presence of a focus of injury in the left hemisphere (within one hemisphere only) as a result of the first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (based on CT/MRI examination);
* chronic stage of the disease - time since the stroke occurred over 6 months.
* ability to achieve an accuracy in the Naming Task of 10-60%.
* 18-80 years
* right-handedness before the stroke.
* ability to give informed written consent.
* fluency in English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* severe cognitive, auditory or visual impairment that would preclude cognitive and language testing - inability to follow a two-step command.
* presence of metal implants in the skull.
* presence of major untreated or unstable psychiatric disease.
* history of epilepsy or seizures.
* ongoing medication that increases the risk of epileptic seizures.
* presence in the body of cardiac stimulator, pacemaker or vagus nerve stimulator (implanted).
* history of speech, language, hearing, or intellectual disability during childhood.
* pregnancy (based on declarations)

Exclusion criteria during the trial:

* high intolerance to stimulation.
* occurrence of an epileptic seizure.
* other previously absent neurological or mental symptoms

Withdrawal criteria:

* high intolerance to stimulation (participants experience severe discomfort during stimulation);
* occurrence of an epileptic seizure;
* other previously absent neurological, physical or mental symptoms.

Where it's running

• Think & Speak Lab at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
• Abilities Research Center at Mount Sinai
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Miguel Escalon, MD, MPH — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Study coordinator: Tertia Jeppson
• Email: tjeppson@sralab.org
• Phone: 312-238-6163

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• tDCS over the supplementary motor area for subacute post-stroke aphasia

  This study tests whether 14 sessions of tDCS combined with speech therapy help people with post-stroke aphasia regain language skills.

  Recruiting The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University · Hefei, Anhui · NCT07700537

• Temporal interference stimulation for language recovery after stroke

  This test will try temporal interference brain stimulation together with speech therapy to improve language in people with post-stroke aphasia.

  Recruiting The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University · Hefei, Anhui · NCT07346378

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.