Noninvasive Brain Stimulation to Evaluate Neural Plasticity After Stroke

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation to Evaluate Neural Plasticity After Stroke

The purpose of this study is to examine how different areas in the brain interact with each other and how using brain imaging and brain stimulation approaches can influence these interactions.

Subcortical strokes affect small vessels deep in the brain, and typically present with motor hemiparesis. The investigator will assess the effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on motor function and examine how different areas in the human brain interact with each other using brain imaging and brain stimulation. The investigator will also evaluate the capacity for noninvasive stimulation to transiently modify brain activity supporting arm movement.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 18-85 years
2. Middle cerebral artery stroke
3. Individuals with a first time stroke that affects the corona radiata and/or internal capsule

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age outside the age range of 18-85 years
2. Signs of dementia (score < 24 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
3. Aphasia (score < 13 on the Frenchay Aphasia Screen)
4. History of head trauma
5. History of a major psychiatric diagnosis
6. History of a neurodegenerative disorder
7. History of substance abuse
8. Contraindications to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation