Could a mild electric zap to the head help stroke survivors think clearer?

NCT ID NCT04897334

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a painless brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with cognitive therapy, can improve thinking and memory in people who recently had a stroke. About 70 adults who had a stroke within the past month and have trouble thinking will receive either real or fake tDCS while doing mental exercises. Researchers will measure changes in cognitive test scores to see if the treatment helps.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to help stroke survivors recover thinking and memory skills.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 70 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The improvement in cognition may be modest or no better than sham stimulation.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cognitive Dysfunction ischemic stroke

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT ISCHEMIC STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Penn Medicine Rehabilitation
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19146, United States

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