Using brain stimulation to reduce fatigue 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 study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a non-drug treatment for post-stroke fatigue. It involves a double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized design with 24 participants, where half will receive real stimulation and the other half will receive a placebo. The tDCS device will be applied daily for 20 minutes over a two-week period, with follow-up assessments to evaluate fatigue severity and neuroimaging to observe brain changes. The goal is to determine if this intervention can effectively reduce fatigue in stroke survivors.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female patients aged \>18 years
* Greater than 3 months from first hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke (subacute to chronic), confirmed through neuroimaging (CT or MRI).
* Fatigue severity score average \>4 (severe fatigue)
* Willingness to remain stable on pharmacologic therapy through the duration of the study.
* Availability of a caregiver, family member, or friend to be present during the administration of the tDCS intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Metal in the head (except mouth) or implanted cranial or thoracic devices (i.e. pacemaker, DBS stimulator)
* History of seizure
* History of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
* A score of 10 or more on the PHQ-9 or GAD-7 scale, suggestive of moderate to severe depression/anxiety.
* A score of less than 21 on the MoCA suggesting major neurocognitive disorder.
* Signs of skin rash, infection, or laceration in the supraorbital region where the tDCS will be applied.
* Inability to provide informed consent
* Other major neurological, medical, or psychiatric illnesses that could confound results in the opinion of the site investigator.

Where it's running

• Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E. 68th St, Baker Pavilion, F-2106
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Joan M Stilling, MD, MS — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• Study coordinator: Zhiyan Yang, M.A.
• Email: rehabresearch@med.cornell.edu
• Phone: (212) 746-1509

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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.