Using MEG to Evaluate Recovery After Minor 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 observational study investigates cognitive recovery in patients who have experienced a minor stroke using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Participants will undergo MEG testing at 1 and 6 months post-stroke to assess brain activity during cognitive tasks related to executive function, attention, and multi-tasking. The study aims to better understand the cognitive difficulties faced by stroke survivors, which may not correlate with the size or location of brain lesions. The research will involve collaboration with the University of Maryland to enhance data collection and analysis.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults (≥18 years) admitted to Bayview Medical Center Neurology.
2. Evidence of acute ischemic stroke (CT or MRI)- lacunar stroke or branch occlusion (M3/A3/P3 or smaller) OR NIHSS ≤ 8 on admission.
3. Competent speaker of English (by self or family report) prior to stroke.
4. Return for follow-up 4-6 weeks post event (+/- 4 wks).
5. Cognitive deficits present on initial testing.\*\* unique to MEG study
6. Willing to travel to the University of Maryland twice for MEG.\*\* unique to MEG study
7. Fully independent functionally and able to travel to the University of Maryland unassisted.\*\* unique to MEG study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Primary intracerebral hemorrhage- as evidenced by blood on head CT or MRI.
2. Previous neurological disease (e.g., dementia, multiple sclerosis, prior symptomatic stroke). Incidental asymptomatic lacunar strokes found on imaging will not be excluded as prior disease.
3. Uncorrected hearing or visual loss.
4. Large vessel occlusion.
5. 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 in the eyes.\*\* unique to MEG study
6. Claustrophobia, obesity, and/or any other reason leading to difficulty staying in the MEG for up to 1 hour.\*\* unique to MEG study
7. For controls- clinical history of stroke or other neurological dysfunction (seizure, multiple sclerosis, etc.); psychiatric disease

Where it's running

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

Study contacts

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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) versus sham for post-stroke apathy

  This project will try a faster course of rTMS to see if it reduces persistent apathy in people at least six months after an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.

  Recruiting Phase 1/2 Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, South Carolina · NCT07113067

• Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke

  This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.

  Recruiting The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health · Heidelberg, Victoria and 1 other locations · NCT07019493

• Wrist-worn device to encourage use of the weaker arm after a recent stroke

  This trial tests whether a wrist-worn sensor system plus motor and behavioral home coaching helps people 1–6 months after a stroke with moderate arm weakness use their affected arm more than a usual home-exercise program.

  Recruiting Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT06797154

• Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery

  This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Hokkaido University Hospital · Sapporo, Hokkaido · NCT06752720

• Trans-spinal magnetic stimulation for improving mobility in chronic stroke patients

  This study is testing if a new type of magnetic treatment can help improve walking and movement in adults who have had a stroke for a long time.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Universidade Federal de Pernambuco · João Pessoa, Paraíba and 2 other locations · NCT06593184

• Telehealth program for lifestyle changes in stroke survivors

  This study tests whether a telehealth program can help stroke survivors make healthy lifestyle changes with support from others over six months.

  Recruiting Baylor Research Institute · Dallas, Texas · NCT06569121

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.