The Effect of tDCS Combined With TMS on Cognitive Impairment and Motor Function After Stroke

The Effect of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation Combined With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Cognitive Impairment and Motor Function After Stroke

This clinical trial aims to investigate whether transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS) combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS) has an impact on the cognitive and motor functions of stroke patients, and to evaluate the safety of this protocol. The main objective is to answer the following question: Can electromagnetic combined stimulation of the left Dorsolateral prefrontal lobe(DLPFC) improve the performance of working memory, motor function and cognitively motor dual tasks in stroke patients? What is its mechanism of action? Participants will undergo a combined real or sham electromagnetic stimulation of 20 minutes of tDCS and 40 seconds of TMS once a day for 7 days. Researchers will compare the effects of real stimulation with sham stimulation to see if the real stimulation can bring better results to patients. Clinical evaluations (cognitive and motor scales) and functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy(fNIRS) were conducted before and after stimulation to record relevant brain activities

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meeting the diagnostic criteria for hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke in the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases(2nd edition), with the first onset, single hemisphere stroke, and confirmed by CT or MRI,course of diease 1-6 months;
• Age ranging from 30 to 80 years old;
• Native language is Mandarin or Cantonese;
• Right-handed;
• Diagnosed with post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI) by the MoCA scale;
• Able to cooperate in completing the speech repetition test;
• Normal hearing.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently receiving non-invasive brain stimulation treatment;
• Lesions involving the left DLPFC brain regions;
• History of epilepsy, mental illness,or other neurological or mental disorders;
• Any contraindications for transcranial electrical stimulation.