Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Language Therapy to Improve Mild Aphasia
Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Constraint Induced Language Therapy to Treat Mild Post-Stroke Aphasia
This study is testing whether combining brain stimulation with speech therapy can help people with mild aphasia after a stroke improve their speaking and understanding skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06842745 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of combining Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) with Speech-Language Therapy (SLT) to treat mild aphasia in individuals who have experienced a stroke. Participants will undergo a screening process, MRI, and then receive 10 consecutive sessions of TMS and SLT. The study aims to assess improvements in conversational speech and comprehension while also identifying specific characteristics that may predict treatment success. A comparison will be made between real TMS and sham TMS to evaluate the treatment's efficacy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have had a left hemisphere stroke more than six months ago and exhibit mild aphasia.
Not a fit: Patients with ongoing substance abuse, other neurological disorders, or active psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance communication abilities for patients with mild aphasia, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that TMS can improve language performance in individuals with moderate to severe aphasia, but this approach for mild aphasia is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Left Hemisphere stroke * Stroke occurred more than 6 months ago * Mild Aphasia (WAB AQ score \> 85) * Proficient in English Exclusion Criteria: * Ongoing substance or alcohol abuse * Other neurological disorders, beside stroke (i.e. dementia, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis) * Active psychiatric disorders (i.e. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) * Pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator * Diagnosis of tinnitus * Epilepsy, or seizure in the past 6 months
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: H. Branch Coslett, MD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Harris Drachman, MS
- Email: harris.drachman@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 215-964-2502
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.