Functional neuroimaging and behavioral correlates of multisite tDCS as an add-on to language training in a person with post-stroke non-fluent aphasia: a year-long case study

Neurocase. 2024 Feb;30(1):8-17. doi: 10.1080/13554794.2024.2349327. Epub 2024 May 3.

Abstract

Mary, who experienced non-fluent aphasia as a result of an ischemic stroke, received 10 years of personalized language training (LT), resulting in transient enhancements in speech and comprehension. To enhance these effects, multisite transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) was added to her LT regimen for 15 sessions. Assessment using the Reliable Change Index showed that this combination improved her left inferior frontal connectivity and speech production for two months and significantly improved comprehension after one month. The results indicate that using multisite transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve the effectiveness of language therapy (LT) for individuals with non-fluent aphasia.

Keywords: Non-fluent aphasia; dorsal and ventral language streams; fMRI; language training; multisite tDCS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aphasia / diagnostic imaging
  • Aphasia / etiology
  • Aphasia / rehabilitation
  • Aphasia / therapy
  • Female
  • Functional Neuroimaging
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Stroke / complications
  • Ischemic Stroke / diagnostic imaging
  • Ischemic Stroke / rehabilitation
  • Language Therapy* / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Stroke / complications
  • Stroke Rehabilitation / methods
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation*