RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07608588

Recovery From Post-Stroke Aphasia With rTMS Targeting Left or Right Anterior Temporal Lobe

Recovery From Post-Stroke Aphasia With rTMS Targeting the Anterior Temporal Lobe: Interhemispheric Activation Changes and Lesion-Connectome-Based Predictive Outcomes

Sponsor

University of South Carolina

Enrollment

45 participants

Start Date

May 15, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Stroke Aphasia

Summary

This project aims to tailor repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) target to the clinical profile of post-stroke aphasia, specifically focusing on lexicosemantic impairments, to enhance recovery. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) will provide critical insights into the effects of facilitatory versus inhibitory stimulation on interhemispheric balance. Additionally, this study will generate new data on how lesion localization and brain connectivity influence individual responses to rTMS, explaining variability in treatment efficacy.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a behavioral approach called Semantic Feature Analysis, a medical device called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Sham, and others for people with aphasia and stroke. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 18 Years and older.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICEcontinuous Theta Burst Stimulation

We will use continuous Theta Burst Stimulation (600 pulses, burst frequency at 5 Hz, burst of three pulses at 50Hz) targeting the right ATL

DEVICEintermittent Theta Burst Stimulation

We will use intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (600 pulses, burst frequency at 5 Hz, burst of three pulses at 50Hz, interval intertrain of 8 sec, 10 pulses in train) targeting the left ATL

DEVICETranscranial Magnetic Stimulation Sham

We will use sham stimulation using the same coil but flipped over, with the left ATL targeted in half of the participant and the right ATL in the other half. The placebo coil will replicate the auditory sensations produced by active stimulation. In addition, we will use electrical stimulation of the scalp (via electrodes placed over specific muscles) in the Sham group to mimic the sensory effects of active stimulation. Participants will have no prior rTMS experience before inclusion in the protocol.

BEHAVIORALSemantic Feature Analysis

Participants will receive 30 minutes of Semantic Feature Analysis therapy administered by a Speech and Language Pathologist. On a computer screen, participants will see an image of an object and will be cued to retrieve the object's name by describing various features of the object, including its physical properties, typical location, personal associations, category, use and actions involving the object (Quique et al., 2019).