Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Language Therapy to Improve Speech After Stroke
Electrical Field Guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Subacute Post-stroke Aphasia
This study is testing if combining a brain stimulation technique with speech therapy can help people who have had a stroke improve their speech during the early recovery phase.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 63 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06968663 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) combined with modified Constraint Induced Language Therapy (mCILT) for treating aphasia in patients who have experienced a stroke. The study focuses on individuals in the subacute phase, specifically between 2 to 6 weeks post-stroke, to determine if this combined approach can enhance speech recovery. Participants will undergo MRI scans and receive personalized TMS treatment over 10 sessions, with follow-up assessments to evaluate outcomes. The trial aims to identify specific characteristics that may predict which patients will benefit most from this innovative therapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed individuals who have had a left hemisphere stroke resulting in aphasia within the last 2 to 6 weeks.
Not a fit: Patients with serious psychiatric conditions, neurological disorders, or those who have had a history of seizures or head trauma may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve speech recovery in stroke patients suffering from aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that TMS can improve language performance in chronic aphasia, but this approach in the subacute phase is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Left hemisphere stroke resulting in aphasia * The stroke must have occurred between 2 and 6 weeks prior to enrollment * Must be able to understand the nature of the study, and give informed consent * English proficiency * Right-handed Exclusion Criteria: * History of serious and/or ongoing issues with substance abuse * Previous head trauma with loss of consciousness for more than 5 minutes * History of major psychiatric illness * Dementia, or other neurological conditions * Epilepsy, or seizure after the stroke event * Pacemaker * Diagnosis of tinnitus * Pregnancy
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: Leslie Vnenchak, MA, CCC-SLP
- Email: leslie.vnenchak@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.