Using brain stimulation to improve language in stroke patients with aphasia
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Brain Organization and Naming
This study is testing if a special type of brain stimulation can help stroke survivors with aphasia improve their language skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 14 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Geneva Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Geneva, GE) |
| Trial ID | NCT05570578 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) on brain organization and language recovery in chronic aphasic patients following a stroke. The approach focuses on enhancing neural interactions between language areas, particularly the Broca region, to improve language processing and word learning. By analyzing functional connectivity in the brain, the study aims to understand how this non-invasive stimulation can facilitate recovery in patients with aphasia. Participants will undergo therapeutic sessions involving HD-tDCS to assess its impact on their language abilities over time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include French-speaking adults aged 18 and older who are at least 12 months post-stroke and experience difficulties with word finding and naming.
Not a fit: Patients with severe co-morbidities affecting speech, those unable to understand study instructions, or those with contraindications to tDCS will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved language recovery and communication abilities for patients with aphasia following a stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of HD-tDCS in enhancing language recovery in aphasic patients, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke * Presence of aphasia with difficulty finding words and/or naming objects/pictures * ≥12 months post-stroke * ≥ 18 years of age * French-speaking * Able to participate in 30-60 min therapeutic sessions (good concentration and understanding of the task and ability to follow instructions Exclusion Criteria: * Patients unable to understand the given information on the study and its objectives, or instructions for tasks performed. * Impaired alertness or delirium * Severe co-morbidity affecting speech * Contraindication to tDCS: pregnant women, patients with active implants such as pacemakers or cochlear implants, patients with one or more seizures, metal objects in the brain * Occurrence of a new stroke during the study protocol.
Where this trial is running
Geneva, GE
- Division of Neurorehabilitation, University Hospital of Geneva — Geneva, Ge, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Adrian G Guggisberg, MD — University of Geneva
- Study coordinator: Adrian G Guggisberg, MD
- Email: Adrian.Guggisberg@insel.ch
- Phone: +41316323081
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.