TMS plus language therapy to improve word-finding after left-hemisphere stroke
Official title: Precision Neuromodulation in Post-Stroke Aphasia Using TMS
Run by Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT06974279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2036 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2036 |
| Registry record updated | July 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06974279 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sidney Schoenrock, MA
- Email: sschoenrock@mcw.edu
- Phone: 414-955-7579
Similar studies
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.