Speech Therapy and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy in Post-stroke Anomic Aphasia

The Effectiveness of Speech Therapy and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy in Patients With Post-stroke Anomic Aphasia

The aim of the study is to observe the effects of speech therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy in patients who develop anomic aphasia after stroke. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into groups. In the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment group, a total of 10 sessions, 1 session per day, will be applied to the right inferior frontal gyrus area with a frequency of 1 Hz for 20 minutes. The control group patients will be given speech therapy in the same way, but no active magnetic stimulation will be given in rTMS sessions (sham application). Speech therapy will be given to each patient by the same physiotherapist, and the treatment will last a total of 10 days, 60 minutes a day. Minimental test (MMT), Ege aphasia test, aphasia quality of life scale (SAQOL-39) will be filled in to the patients before and after the treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stroke diagnosed with cranial MR examination causing unilateral hemiplegia
• Post-stroke patients with anomic aphasia
• 40-70 years
• Being able to read the basic instructions
• Medically and neurologically stable patients

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical condition that will constitute a contraindication to TMS (metallic implant, Cardiac pacemaker, pregnancy, breastfeeding, epilepsy, head trauma...)
• Having previously had TMS treatment
• Presence of Life-threatening disease and/or active systemic disease (chronic disease, malignancy ...)
• Alcohol or drug addiction
• Presence of neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Severe cognitive impairment
• Having a history of previous epilepsy
• Visual and auditory impairment