UAB - Center for Clinical and Translational Science

Conditions

• Stroke, Ischemic
• Motor Activity
• Upper Extremity Paralysis

Eligibility

Eligible Ages

Between 18 Years and 80 Years

Eligible Sex

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Criteria

Each subject must meet all of the following criteria to participate in this study:

1. 18-80 years old; and

2. First-ever unihemispheric ischemic stroke radiologically verified and occurred
within the past 30-180 days; and

3. >10° of active wrist extension, >10° of thumb abduction/extension, and > 10° of
extension in at least 2 additional digits; and

4. Unilateral limb weakness with a Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity score of ≤ 54 (out of 66)
to avoid ceiling effects; and

5. An absolute difference of FM-UE scores between the two baseline assessments that is
≤ 2 points indicating stable motor impairment; if subject is not stable, then he/she
will be invited for a reassessment after 7-14 days (but no more than 3
reassessments); and

6. Pre-stroke mRS ≤2; and

7. Signed informed consent by the subject or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR).

Each Subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from the study:

1. Primary intracerebral hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage or bi-hemispheric or
bilateral brainstem ischemic strokes;

2. Medication use at the time of study that may interfere with tDCS, including but not
limited to carbamazepine, flunarizine, sulpiride, rivastigmine, dextromethorphan;

3. Other co-existent neuromuscular disorders (pre- or post-stroke) affecting upper
extremity motor function;

4. Other neurological disorders (pre- or post-stroke) affecting subject's ability to
participate in the study;

5. Moderate to severe cognitive impairment defined as Montreal Cognitive Assessment
(MOCA) score < 18/30;

6. History of medically uncontrolled depression or other neuro-psychiatric disorders
despite medications either before or after stroke that may affect subject's ability
to participate in the study;

7. Uncontrolled hypertension despite medical treatment(s) at the time of randomization,
defined as SBP≥185 mmHg or DBP≥110 mmHg (patient can be treated, reassessed and
randomized later);

8. Presence of any MRI/tDCS/TMS risk factors including but not limited to: 8a) an
electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated metallic or nonmetallic implant
including cardiac pacemaker, intracerebral vascular clips or any other electrically
sensitive support system; 8b) a non-fixed metallic part in any part of the body,
including a previous metallic injury to eye; 8c) pregnancy (effects of MRI, TMS, and
tDCS on the fetus are unknown); 8d) history of seizure disorder or post-stroke
seizure; 8e) preexisting scalp lesion under the intended electrode placement or a
bone defect or hemicraniectomy;

9. Planning to move from the local area within the next 6 months;

10. Life expectancy less than 6 months;

11. Has received Botulinum toxin injection to the affected upper extremity in the past 3
months prior to randomization or expectation that Botulinum will be given to the
Upper Extremity prior to the completion of the last follow-up visit;

12. Concurrent enrollment in another investigational stroke recovery study;

13. Doesn't speak sufficient English to comply with study procedures;

14. Expectation that subject cannot comply with study procedures and visits.

Study Contact