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

NCT ID NCT04897334

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Penn Medicine Rehabilitation

    RECRUITING

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19146, United States

    Contact