Receive magnetic brain stimulation sessions to improve speech after stroke

Recruiting

What is this trial?

This trial tests a newer form of brain stimulation called Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) as a treatment for aphasia—difficulty speaking and understanding language after stroke. The stimulation uses magnetic pulses applied to specific areas of the brain to help improve language abilities, and it's combined with traditional speech therapy. Researchers will compare three groups: one receiving stimulation to boost the language part of the brain, one receiving stimulation to calm the opposite side of the brain, and one receiving a placebo stimulation.

After a stroke, many people experience aphasia and don't fully recover their ability to speak and communicate, even with standard speech therapy alone. This trial is testing whether adding brain stimulation to therapy can help more patients regain better language abilities.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you had your first stroke in the left side of your brain (confirmed by MRI) due to blocked blood flow
it has been at least 3 months since your stroke
you have non-fluent aphasia (difficulty speaking fluently) with mild to significant communication problems and difficulty finding words
you are a native Polish speaker and were right-handed before your stroke
you are between 18 and 75 years old

You likely don't qualify if…

you have other serious psychiatric or neurological conditions like dementia, depression, or alcohol dependence
you have epilepsy or a history of seizures
you are currently taking medications that affect brain activity, such as antiepileptic drugs, antipsychotics, antidepressants, or benzodiazepines
you have metal implants in your body (like a pacemaker) or cannot safely have an MRI scan
you have significant cognitive impairment or vision problems that would prevent you from participating in therapy

What participation looks like

You would visit the clinic Monday through Friday for 3 consecutive weeks (15 sessions total). Before each session, you would receive about 3–7 minutes of magnetic brain stimulation targeted to a specific area using a computer-guided system to ensure precision. After the stimulation, you would participate in 45 minutes of behavioral speech therapy. Researchers will use MRI scans and language tests before, during, and after treatment to track any changes in your ability to speak and understand language.

Brain stimulation to help people speak after stroke

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)