Brain stimulation with a weak electric current for language problems after a stroke
Tests tDCS brain stimulation plus speech therapy in adults with aphasia after stroke.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Efficacy and Neural Mechanisms of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Targeting the Supplementary Motor Area for the Treatment of Subacute Post-stroke Aphasia
Key facts
- Where
- Hefei, ChinaSee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults aged 18 to 80 who had a first stroke in the left side of the brain within the past 12 weeks and now have aphasia (language difficulty).
- Age
- 18 to 80 years
- Sex
- All sexes can join
- Disease stage
- First stroke in the left hemisphere, onset within the past 12 weeks, with aphasia diagnosed using the ABC scale
- Earlier treatment
- No previous stroke; no history of surgery for severe head trauma, brain tumors or brain abscesses
Main reasons for not taking part
- Stroke more than 12 weeks ago
- History of psychiatric or neurological disorders
- Severe articulation disorders
- Claustrophobia or implants not compatible with MRI
- Cannot cooperate with language scale testing or fMRI scanning
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Source: NCT07700537, who can take part
Where in China
- transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)Hefei, ChinaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
- Trial code
- NCT07700537
- Record updated
- 17 July 2026
- Original description
This study aims to investigate the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with post-stroke aphasia (PSA) and to explore its potential neural mechanisms. The study will recruit PSA patients and provide them with 14 tDCS sessions over 7 days, along with speech therapy. Language Behavior Scale scores and resting-state functional MRI scans will be collected before and after the intervention. In addition, a retrospective comparison will be conducted of language function and resting-state fMRI changes in a group of PSA patients who received only speech therapy; these patients did not undergo any physical intervention but received only speech therapy. Changes in Language Behavior Scale scores and functional connectivity (FC) before and after treatment in the speech therapy-only group will be analyzed and compared with those in the tDCS intervention group.Read full original descriptionShow less
Study on the Efficacy and Neural Mechanisms of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Targeting the Supplementary Motor Area for the Treatment of Subacute Post-stroke Aphasia
This study aims to investigate the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with post-stroke aphasia (PSA) and to explore its potential neural mechanisms. The study will recruit PSA patients and provide them with 14 tDCS sessions over 7 days, along with speech therapy. Language Behavior Scale scores and resting-state functional MRI scans will be collected before and after the intervention. In addition, a retrospective comparison will be conducted of language function and resting-state fMRI changes in a group of PSA patients who received only speech therapy; these patients did not undergo any physical intervention but received only speech therapy. Changes in Language Behavior Scale scores and functional connectivity (FC) before and after treatment in the speech therapy-only group will be analyzed and compared with those in the tDCS intervention group.
Inclusion: Patients must be between 18 and 80 years of age; First stroke in the left hemisphere; Stroke onset within the past 12 weeks; Native Chinese speakers who were able to communicate normally prior to onset; Diagnosed with aphasia using the ABC scale; Right-handed; Informed consent obtained from the patient and family members.
Exclusion: Claustrophobia or implants incompatible with MRI; History of previous stroke; Time since stroke onset exceeds 12 weeks; History of psychiatric or neurological disorders; History of surgery for severe head trauma, brain tumors, or brain abscesses; Severe articulation disorders; Inability to cooperate with language scale testing or fMRI scanning.