Using brain stimulation to improve speech therapy for stroke-related language issues
A Randomized Clinical Trial of TDCS to Remediate Phonological Impairment in Aphasia
NA · Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT06010030
This study is testing if adding a mild electrical stimulation to speech therapy can help people with language problems after a stroke improve their communication skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06010030 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of mild electrical stimulation combined with speech therapy for individuals with post-stroke aphasia. It aims to determine the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an adjunct to traditional speech therapy in enhancing language recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to different therapy and stimulation groups, and their language abilities will be assessed through various tests. Additionally, functional MRI will be utilized to explore the neural changes associated with the interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 with language deficits due to left-sided brain damage from a stroke.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced neurodegenerative diseases or severe psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve language recovery in patients with aphasia following a stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using brain stimulation techniques alongside speech therapy, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients must be 18 or older. Patients may not be older than 85. Patients must have a language deficit from left-sided focal neurologic damage (e.g. stroke, tumor). Patients must be adults and have English-language fluency. Patients must be eligible to undergo MRI. Beyond meeting the inclusion criteria, no preference will be given on the basis of race, ethnicity or gender. Exclusion Criteria: * Advanced neurodegenerative disease (i.e. Stage 3 Alzheimer's disease) Neurologic disease (e.g. idiopathic epilepsy, seizure disorders that are not well managed, Parkinson's disease, ALS), Severe psychopathology (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, acute major depressive episode) Suspected or diagnosed uncorrectable hearing or vision difficulties, or developmental disabilities (i.e. intellectual disability or learning disability). Contraindications to MRI such as claustrophobia, implanted electronic devices, MRI-incompatible metal in the body, extreme obesity, pregnancy, inability to lie flat, inability to see or hear stimulus materials. Younger than 18 or older than 85. \< 6 months post tumor resection.
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.