TMS plus language therapy to improve word-finding after left-hemisphere stroke
Precision Neuromodulation in Post-Stroke Aphasia Using TMS
Researchers will try excitatory transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with semantic feature analysis language therapy to improve word-finding in adults with aphasia after left-hemisphere stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06974279 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project uses functional neuroimaging and inhibitory TMS mapping to identify precise, therapy-responsive brain targets for excitatory TMS. Participants will receive semantic feature analysis (SFA) language therapy paired with excitatory TMS either at the precision target or at a control site. The primary outcome is change in picture-naming accuracy after the combined therapy. Results will compare naming improvements between precision-targeted and control-targeted TMS to determine whether precision targeting enhances SFA outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (18+) who are fluent in English with a left-hemisphere stroke at least one month prior and who can participate in cognitive and language testing without severe sensory or cognitive barriers.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive, auditory, or visual impairments, unstable medical or psychiatric conditions, implanted electronic or metal devices near the head, pregnancy, or unmanaged seizure risk may not benefit or be eligible for this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to larger improvements in word-finding and everyday communication for people with post-stroke aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies combining TMS with language therapy have shown promising but mixed improvements in naming, while precision-targeted excitatory TMS guided by mapping is a relatively novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with left hemisphere stroke * Consent date \>= 1 month after stroke onset * Fluent in English * 18 years of age or older Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive, auditory or visual impairments that would preclude cognitive and language testing * Presence of major untreated or unstable psychiatric disease (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disease) * A chronic medical condition that is not treated or is unstable * The presence of cardiac stimulators or pacemakers or intracardiac lines, neurostimulators, medication infusion device, any other implants near the scalp (e.g., cochlear implants) or in the eye, metal in the body (e.g., splinters, fragments, clips) * Pregnancy * History of skull fractures, or skin diseases * History of ongoing or unmanaged seizures * 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
- Study coordinator: Sidney Schoenrock, MA
- 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.