RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT03317860

Improving Measurement and Treatment of Post-stroke Neglect

Sponsor

VA Office of Research and Development

Enrollment

17 participants

Start Date

Jul 2, 2018

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Stroke

Summary

This study examines how to best assess and treat post-stroke neglect. This study will examine the preliminary effects of an innovative intervention (repetitive task-specific practice + transcranial direct current stimulation) for individuals with neglect. This study will also determine whether items from various neglect assessments can be combined to establish a more comprehensive neglect measure.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke 3 months post stroke.
Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FMA-Upper Extremity) score between 20-56/60
Inducible motor evoked potential (MEP) of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) on the paretic stimulation (TMS)
Demonstrate the presence of unilateral neglect (Virtual Reality Lateralized Attention Test score <18)

Exclusion Criteria11

History of cortical hemorrhagic stroke
Presence of any MRI, TMS, tDCS risk factors including:
history of seizures
history of brain tumor
hardware in skull or spine (e.g. coils, clips)
implantable medical device (e.g. pacemaker)
metal in body (not compatible with MRI)
pregnancy
Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale score 3)
Severe aphasia or cognitive impairment limiting participants' comprehension (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Level of Consciousness Commands Item score 1 or Best Language Item score 2)
Unable to travel to UE Motor Function Laboratory at the Center for Rehabilitation Research in Neurological Conditions (a collaborative, MOU approved, research center Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and the Medical University of South Carolina) for the study

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Interventions

DEVICESham tDCS

Sham tDCS will be delivered for 30 minutes in conjunction with repetitive task-specific practice for the arm/hand. tDCS is a form of noninvasive brain stimulation. Electrodes will be placed on the scalp but in the sham condition they will not deliver direct current (2mA). Sham tDCS will be delivered for 30 minutes in conjunction with repetitive task-specific practice for the arm/hand. Repetitive task-specific practice (RTP). Participants will practice using their paretic arm/hand to complete functional movements during the 30 minute train

DEVICEActive tDCS