This study is examining the effectiveness of brain stimulation on speech impairments after strokes. The main outcome to be measured will be a change in language function and patient communication effectiveness. This study is being conducted in California, the United States.
The details
Up to 40% of patients have difficulty with communication after a stroke. Aphasia is an impairment of speech due to either inability to understand or inability to produce speech. Conventional speech therapies have limited effectiveness in post-stroke aphasia. Therefore, an effective treatment is needed. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) involves delivering a low current of electricity to the brain through some stickers (electrodes) placed on the head. It has shown promising results in improving arm function after strokes.
The aim of this study is to see if tDCS can improve post-stroke aphasia. The main outcome to be measured is an improvement in language function and communication effectiveness in patients with aphasia.
Who are they looking for?
This study is recruiting 60 patients. Patients must not have any other brain conditions such as multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, dementia etc., any psychiatric illnesses, a fear of closed spaces or have any implanted metallic devices in the body such as a heart stimulator.
How will it work
Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either tDCS or a placebo tDCS procedure for 20 minutes each day for 5 days. Language function and communication effectiveness tests, as well as brain imaging, will be done within a week before and after the therapy. These assessments will also be done 3 months after therapy to measure long-term results. A follow-up assessment will also be carried out in person or on the phone 6 months after completion of the study.
