Cortico-Spinal tDCS as Rehabilitative Intervention in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (NCT04293484) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Cortico-Spinal tDCS as Rehabilitative Intervention in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Italy31 participantsStarted 2018-03-12
Plain-language summary
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease, which is a group of neurological disorders that selectively affect motor neurons, the cells that control voluntary muscles of the body. The disorder causes muscle weakness and atrophy throughout the body due to the degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons. Current drugs approved for ALS treatment only modestly slow disease progression.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique, which has been demonstrated to modulate cerebral excitability in several neurodegenerative disorders and modulate intracortical connectivity measures.
In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study followed by an open-label phase, the investigators will evaluate whether a repetition of two-weeks' treatment with bilateral motor cortex anodal tDCS and spinal cathodal tDCS, after a six months interval, may further outlast clinical improvement in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and can modulate intracortical connectivity, at short and long term.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients with a diagnosis of probable, laboratory-supported probable, or definite amyotrophic lateral sclerosis according to the El Escorial revised criteria
* Disease duration ≤ 24 months
* Disease progression in the past 3 months
* Score ≥ 2 at the item "swallowing" of the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised
* Score ≥ 2 at the item "walking" of the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised
* Treatment with steady regimen of riluzole for a minimum of 1 month before study entry, and desiring its continuation
* Able to give informed consent
* Written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Motor neuron diseases other than ALS
* Severe head trauma in the past
* History of seizures
* History of ischemic stroke or hemorrhage
* Pacemaker
* Metal implants in the head/neck region
* Severe comorbidity
* Intake of illegal drugs
* Pregnancy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.