Using brain stimulation to improve cognitive function 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 clinical trial investigates the effects of anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (A-tDCS) combined with computerized cognitive treatment (CCT) on patients who have experienced a minor stroke and are suffering from post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (psMCI). Approximately 60 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the active treatment or a sham intervention, with their cognitive function assessed before and after the intervention. Additionally, functional neuroimaging using magnetoencephalography (MEG) will be conducted to evaluate changes in brain activity and connectivity over time. The goal is to determine whether A-tDCS can enhance cognitive recovery in this patient population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults (≥18 years) presenting with neurological symptoms due to acute ischemic stroke (symptom onset within the week prior to admission).
2. Evidence on brain MRI of acute ischemic stroke (imaging negative strokes and TIAs will be excluded).
3. Native English speaker (by self-report) prior to stroke.
4. NIHSS \<8 at initial follow-up visit (approximately 30 days post-stroke).
5. mRS 0-2 at initial follow-up visit.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Primary intracerebral hemorrhage- as evidenced by blood on head CT or MRI.
2. Presence of proximal large vessel occlusion.
3. Cortical exam findings including aphasia or neglect.
4. Prior report or history of dementia or undertreated psychiatric illness.
5. Uncorrected hearing or visual loss.
6. Inability to attend treatment or follow-up sessions.
7. Inability to travel to College Park (UMD) for MEG recording sessions.
8. Presence of any of the following that would lead to significant artifact on MEG: cardiac pacemaker, intracranial clips, metal implants or external clips within 10mm of the head, metal implants in the eyes (unlikely given that all patients will have an MRI and criteria are similar).
9. Claustrophobia, obesity, and/or any other reason leading to difficulty staying in the MEG machine for up to 1 hour.

Where it's running

• Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Elisabeth B Marsh, MD — Johns Hopkins University
• Study coordinator: Elisabeth B Marsh, MD
• Email: ebmarsh@jhmi.edu
• Phone: 410-550-8703

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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.