Zap to talk: brain stimulation tried for aphasia after stroke

NCT ID NCT02101398

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) during speech therapy could help stroke survivors with aphasia name objects better. Only 5 people took part, and the study was stopped early, so the results are not reliable enough to draw conclusions.

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 had succeeded, this could point toward a way to boost speech therapy for people with aphasia after a stroke.
What could go wrong
The study was very small (only 5 participants) and was terminated early, so we cannot draw reliable conclusions. It also only included French-speaking, right-handed patients, so results may not apply to others.

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.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hôpital Raymond Poincaré

    Garches, 92380, France

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.