Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in Chronic Aphasia
Eligible age
21–80 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
Yes
See if you qualify for this study
Answer a few quick questions about your location and health. Takes about a minute.
About this study
The purpose of this study is to assess changes in language abilities of participants with chronic, post-stroke aphasia following an 8-week therapy period combined with brain stimulation. The investigators use a stimulation method called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The investigators cover two electrodes in damp sponges, place them on the scalp, and pass a weak electrical current between them. Some of this current passes through the brain and can change brain activity. One electrode is placed over language areas a bit above and in front of the left ear. The other is placed on the forehead above the right eye. Stimulation is provided twice a week for 8 weeks during aphasia therapy. The investigators believe that this stimulation may increase the effectiveness of therapy.
Sponsor: City University of New York
You may qualify if…
- ✓ Right handed (pre-stroke for participants with aphasia)
- ✓ High school education or equivalent
- ✓ Native English fluency without early 2nd language exposure (before age 10)
- ✓ Ability to perform the required discourse and MRI tasks (determined via in-person screening)
- ✓ Additional INCLUSION Criteria for participants with APHASIA:
- ✓ Single-event left hemisphere stroke \> 6 months prior to enrollment
- ✓ Aphasia diagnosis per Western Aphasia Battery-Revised
- ✓ Not receiving any other speech therapy for the entire study period (20 weeks)
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ Failed vision or hearing screening
- ✕ MRI contraindications (including pacemaker)
- ✕ Pregnancy
- ✕ History of seizure or change in seizure medication in past 12 months
- ✕ History of speech/language, psychiatric, or neurological disorder, or current serious medical condition (except chronic stroke comorbidities for participants with aphasia)
- ✕ Additional EXCLUSION criteria for participants with APHASIA are:
- ✕ Unmodifiable hair style precluding scalp contact by electrodes
- ✕ Sensitive scalp by self-report
Where it's recruiting
New York
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT04142866 · last updated 2025-01-07