The use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for the management of deficits developed in stroke is a relatively new type of management option. Many of the studies performed using tDCS have focused on improvements noted in hemiplegia as compared to aphasia, which is an equally disabling outcome of strokes. The results of these studies have not been conclusive and concordant with each other. In aphasia management, the majority of the studies have focused on chronic strokes. Since the use of tDCS is relatively new, the studies have not focused on a particular type of deficit or stroke. Very few studies have focused on the impact of solely using tDCS. Very few studies have focused on acute to subacute strokes. The results of the studies have, nevertheless, been encouraging. Improvements in aspects of language tested after a single session of tDCS are short-lived. There is an unmet need to probe the utility of repetitive tDCS on aspects of language function in patients who are aphasic due to acute stroke. There is also a paucity of data in the Indian scenario regarding the same.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
28
Anodal tDCS
Sham tDCS
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi
New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
Primary Outcome: Difference of change in Accuracy between Anodal tDCS group and Sham tDCS group at 5 days
Accuracy is defined as the number of words spoken without the help of a semantic or phonemic cue on the ICMR Picture Naming Test
Time frame: at 5 days after tDCS
Co-Primary outcome: Difference of change in Reaction Time between Anodal tDCS group and Sham tDCS group at 5 days
Reaction times were documented in milliseconds.
Time frame: at 5 days after tDCS
Difference of change in Correct Response between Anodal tDCS group and Sham tDCS group at 5 days
Correct Response is defined as the total number of words spoken, with or without the help of either a semantic or a phonemic cue on the ICMR Picture Naming Test.
Time frame: at 5 days after tDCS
Difference of change in PNT Score between Anodal tDCS group and Sham tDCS group at 5 days
PNT scores are recorded as per the guidelines of the ICMR Picture Naming Test
Time frame: at 5 days after tDCS
Difference of change in Accuracy between Anodal tDCS group and Sham tDCS group at 4 weeks
Accuracy is defined as the number of words spoken without the help of a semantic or phonemic cue on the ICMR Picture Naming Test
Time frame: at 4 weeks after tDCS
Difference of change in Reaction Time between Anodal tDCS group and Sham tDCS group at 4 weeks
Reaction times were documented in milliseconds.
Time frame: at 4 weeks after tDCS
Difference of change in Correct Response between Anodal tDCS group and Sham tDCS group at 4 weeks
Correct Response is defined as the total number of words spoken, with or without the help of either a semantic or a phonemic cue on the ICMR Picture Naming Test.
Time frame: at 4 weeks after tDCS
Difference of change in PNT Score between Anodal tDCS group and Sham tDCS group at 4 weeks
PNT scores are recorded as per the guidelines of the ICMR Picture Naming Test.
Time frame: at 4 weeks after tDCS
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.