Shocking the brain back to speech: new hope for stroke survivors

NCT ID NCT03651700

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: H. Branch Coslett Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with language therapy helps people with chronic aphasia—a language disorder after stroke—speak better. 86 participants received either real TMS or a sham version, plus language therapy, over two weeks. The main goal was to see if language scores improved six months later.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and constraint-induced language therapy (CILT)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive treatment to improve language recovery in people with long-term aphasia after stroke.
What could go wrong: This is a phase 2 trial with only 86 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment is short-term and effects may fade over time.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

aphasia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

APHASIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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