Effects of Neuromodulation on Verbal Fluency in Post-stroke Aphasia

This is a single site, open label study with a single arm designed to assess the feasibility of use of caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) in patients with post-stroke aphasia. CVS is delivered via a portable, non-invasive device. Both language and movement assessments are made.

Inclusion Criteria:

• >6 months post-stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
• receptive or expressive aphasia
• little or no improvement in language ability in the preceding 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• persons under the age of 18 or over the age of 75
• patients with pure receptive aphasia
• co-morbid CNS disease
• primary motor/oral apraxia
• pregnant or nursing women
• have a history of unstable mood disorder or unstable anxiety disorder or psychosis
• use of a hearing aid
• have a cochlear implant
• have a diagnosed vestibular dysfunction
• abuse alcohol or other drugs
• have had eye surgery within the previous three months or ear surgery within the previous six months
• have active ear infections or a perforated tympanic membrane
• have participated in another clinical trial within the last 30 days or are currently enrolled in another clinical trial
• Though not excluded, patients taking anti-histamines or anti-nausea drugs will be encouraged not to take such medications within four hours prior to a CVS treatment. The Investigator should review other medications taken by the patient with properties that mimic anti-nausea or anti-dizziness drugs as these may reduce responsiveness of the vestibular system to caloric stimulation.