CompletedNot Applicable

Treating Word Finding Difficulties in Traumatic Brain Injury With HD-tDCS

United States14 participantsStarted 2024-12-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of the study is to test whether low level electric stimulation, called transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), on the part of the brain (i.e., pre-supplementary motor area) thought to aid in memory will improve verbal retrieval in civilian (non-military, non-veteran) participants with histories of traumatic brain injuries. The primary outcome measures are neuropsychological assessments of verbal retrieval, and the secondary measures are neuropsychological assessments of other cognitive abilities and electroencephalography (EEG) measures. Additionally, the study will examine the degree to which baseline assessments of cognition, concussion history, structural brain imaging, and EEG predict responses to treatment over time, both on assessments administered within the intervention period and at follow-up.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 85 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: * Between the ages of 18-85 * Traumatic brain injury more than a year prior to study participation * Word finding difficulty since the brain injury * Fluent in speaking and reading English. Exclusion Criteria: * Implanted/electronic device, such as a pacemaker, metallic cranial or intracranial implant (e.g., ventriculoperitoneal shunt), or a neurostimulator (e.g., vagus nerve stimulator, spinal stimulator, deep brain stimulator, etc.). * Skull defects * History of a psychological or neurological disorder, including, dementia of any type, epilepsy or other seizure disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, brain tumor, present drug abuse, stroke, blood vessel abnormalities in the brain, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or multiple sclerosis. * Inability to give informed consent * Military personnel or Veteran * Currently pregnant * Not fluent English speaker

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.

What they're measuring

The Controlled Oral Word Association Test

Timeframe: Treatment differences (active versus sham) in change from Baseline to immediately and 2-months Post-Treatment.

The Boston Naming Test

Timeframe: Treatment differences (active versus sham) in change from Baseline to immediately and 2-months Post-Treatment.

Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and alternative lists

Timeframe: Treatment differences (active versus sham) in change from Baseline to immediately and 2-months Post-Treatment.

The Delis Kaplan Color Word Interference Test

Timeframe: Treatment differences (active versus sham) in change from Baseline to immediately and 2-months Post-Treatment.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06840808

SponsorThe University of Texas at Dallas

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-11-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Traumatic Brain Injury trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 85 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.

What they're measuring

The Controlled Oral Word Association Test

Timeframe: Treatment differences (active versus sham) in change from Baseline to immediately and 2-months Post-Treatment.

The Boston Naming Test

Timeframe: Treatment differences (active versus sham) in change from Baseline to immediately and 2-months Post-Treatment.

Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and alternative lists

Timeframe: Treatment differences (active versus sham) in change from Baseline to immediately and 2-months Post-Treatment.

The Delis Kaplan Color Word Interference Test

Timeframe: Treatment differences (active versus sham) in change from Baseline to immediately and 2-months Post-Treatment.