RecruitingPhase 2

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation + Language Therapy to Treat Mild Aphasia

United States24 participantsStarted 2025-02-11

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) combined with Speech-Language Therapy (SLT) is an effective treatment for mild aphasia in persons with chronic stroke. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Can TMS combined with SLT improve conversational speech and comprehension? 2. Can we identify specific behavioral and biological characteristics that would benefit most from the TMS and SLT treatment? Researchers will compare real TMS to sham (fake) TMS to see whether TMS can treat post-stroke mild aphasia. Participants will: * Complete a screening and medical intake to determine eligibility * Undergo a MRI * Participate in 10 consecutive sessions (Monday-Friday) of TMS and SLT treatment * Complete follow-up assessments 2 and 4 months after treatment

Who can participate

Age range

40 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: * Left Hemisphere stroke * Stroke occurred more than 6 months ago * Mild Aphasia (WAB AQ score \> 85) * Proficient in English Exclusion Criteria: * Ongoing substance or alcohol abuse * Other neurological disorders, beside stroke (i.e. dementia, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis) * Active psychiatric disorders (i.e. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) * Pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator * Diagnosis of tinnitus * Epilepsy, or seizure in the past 6 months

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

Sentence Processing

Timeframe: From baseline to 4 months post-intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06842745

SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-08-31

Contact for this trial

Harris Drachman, MS

215-964-2502 harris.drachman@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Aphasia trials