Using tDCS in Speech-based Stroke Rehabilitation

This study is testing whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — a gentle, non-invasive electrical brain stimulation technique — can improve speech rehabilitation for stroke survivors who have a condition called apraxia of speech. Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder where a person has difficulty planning and coordinating the precise movements needed to speak clearly, even though their muscles work fine and they know what they want to say. It is a common and often frustrating outcome of strokes that affect the left side of the brain. tDCS uses a mild electrical current delivered through electrodes placed on the scalp. It does not cause pain and is thought to enhance the brain's responsiveness to therapy. In this study, tDCS will be combined with speech therapy to see if it speeds up or improves recovery compared to speech therapy alone. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years old or older - You are right-handed - You speak English only (monolingual) - You had a single stroke in the left hemisphere of your brain - It has been at least 6 months since your stroke - You have been clinically diagnosed with apraxia of speech - You have normal speech perception and passing hearing You may NOT be eligible if: - You have a voice disorder of the larynx (voice box) - You have dysarthria (weakness-related speech problems) - You had speech problems before your stroke - You have a pacemaker or any electrically/magnetically activated implant - You have metal anywhere in your body - You have a family history of medication-resistant epilepsy - You have a personal history of seizures or unexplained loss of consciousness Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.