Research Study Treating Post-Stroke Aphasia – Casa Colina Research Institute

Casa Colina Research Institute is currently conducting a clinical research study to advance care and treatment for individuals with stroke-related aphasia. We are using both speech therapy and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to hopefully enhance therapy outcomes. Casa Colina patients and community members are all welcome to participate.

What is tDCS? A non-invasive procedure (meaning it does not enter the body) that uses weak electrical currents applied to the head in order to enhance brain activity.

Each participant will receive 5 sessions (20 min. each) of tDCS or sham (placebo) treatment with speech therapy within a week time period. The following data will be collected a week before and the week after participants complete the fifth session:

• A trained speech therapist will assess your language, communication, cognition, and quality of life.
• Investigators will perform electrophysiological recordings and EEG resting state using a B-Alert wireless EEG system.
• MRI scans will be acquired at the Casa Colina Diagnostic Imaging Center.

A follow-up assessment will be performed by phone or in person 3 months after completion of the study.

Who is eligible to participate? 

• Must be 18 years or older
• Post 12 months from date of stroke
• Must have diagnosed moderate-to-severe aphasia due to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
• Right-dominant prior to stroke

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have previous neurological (e.g. multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, encephalitis, dementia) or psychiatric condition prior to stroke

We are recruiting for the year of 2021. For more information on eligibility or scheduling, please contact our team.