Aphasia Trial (Dr. Branch Coslett – Study contact: Leslie Vnenchak – EPIC message or email)

We are conducting a clinical trial funded by an NIH R01 of the utility of TMS in conjunction with speech therapy as a treatment for subacute aphasia. Participants must have a new left hemisphere ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke causing moderate-severe aphasia and be enrolled in the study between 2-8 weeks post stroke. A substantial prior hemisphere stroke is disqualifying but prior lacunes and SVID are not. Participants must be able to get MRI scans. Treatment consists of 10 sessions of TMS with speech therapy and follow-up after 4 months. All routine, clinically indicated therapies are permitted during the post-treatment phase. Subjects are compensated for their time and travel.

Key inclusion criteria are:

1. Fluent English speakers between the ages of 18 and 85

2. Single, left hemisphere stroke causing aphasia 

3. 2-8 weeks post-stroke at the time of inclusion 

4. Able to get MRI scan

5. Lacunes, cerebellar strokes NOT exclusionary

CORTIMO (Misha Serruya at Jefferson)

Microelectrode arrays implanted into the brain will decode signals to drive motors on the powered brace worn on the arm so that the patient can “power steer” his or her own arm.

TRIAL CLOSED, but other trials may be available: jeffersonhealth.org/stroketrials.