Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Post-Stroke Aphasia

Enhancing Aphasia Therapy With Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Chronic Stroke Patients

This is a randomized, crossover design trial that will compare how anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) versus sham tDCS administered during multiple sessions of scripting therapy affects the acquisition and retention of trained scripts.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age over 21 years
2. Ischemic left hemispheric stroke verified by imaging (CT or MRI) greater than 6 months ago
3. Residual non-fluent or anomic aphasia, with Western Aphasia Battery-Revised Aphasia Quotient score <60
4. Fluent English speaker prior to stroke
5. Right-handed prior to stroke
6. Ability to give informed consent and understand the tasks involved.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of recurrent stroke, either ischemic or hemorrhagic, in the left middle cerebral artery territory
2. Imaging unavailable
3. Large middle cerebral artery infarct involving entire inferior division (temporo-parietal) territory
4. History of dementia prior to the stroke
5. History of seizure, prior electroconvulsive therapy, deep brain stimulators, or brain surgery
6. Social and/or personal circumstances that interfere with ability to return for therapy and assessment sessions.