Using brain stimulation to improve language recovery in stroke patients with aphasia
TACS for the Recovery of Phonological STM After Stroke
This study is testing whether a new brain stimulation technique can help stroke survivors with aphasia improve their language skills when combined with speech therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06048159 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) on language recovery in stroke survivors suffering from aphasia. Aphasia, often resulting from left hemisphere stroke, impairs communication abilities, and current treatments offer limited benefits. The study employs a double-blinded, sham-controlled design, combining HD-tACS with targeted language therapy to enhance phonological short-term memory. By restoring neural oscillatory activity and improving brain connectivity, the study aims to provide a novel approach to aphasia rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced a left hemisphere stroke and are fluent in English.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, major psychiatric diseases, or contraindications to brain stimulation methods will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance language recovery and communication abilities in stroke patients with aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tACS is relatively novel, preliminary studies suggest potential benefits in enhancing cognitive functions, indicating a promising avenue for aphasia treatment.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with left hemisphere stroke/aphasia * 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 * A chronic medical condition that is not treated or is unstable * The presence of cardiac stimulators or pacemakers * Contraindications to MRI or tACS, e.g. patients with metallic implants, and/or history of skull fractures, pregnancy, skin diseases * History of ongoing or unmanaged seizures * 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 E 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.