Effects of tDCS on Post-stroke Fatigue and Inflammation
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Sponsor
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Enrollment
- 12
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) Score
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- last year
Overview
Brief Summary
Fatigue is a common condition after an individual has a stroke. While the negative impacts of post-stroke fatigue are well known, the knowledge of the causes of post-stroke fatigue and effective treatments for post-stroke fatigue are lacking. This small study will investigate the possible benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which uses small electrical currents supplied by a 9-volt battery, on post-stroke fatigue and investigate tDCS' possible anti-inflammatory effects.
Investigators
John H Kindred
Principle Investigator
Medical University of South Carolina
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Men and women of any race or ethnicity
- •35-80 years of age
- •6+ months post-stroke
- •Have clinically present fatigue for 6 months
- •Able to walk 10m unassisted
Exclusion Criteria
- •Absolute contraindications to MRI, TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), or tDCS (e.g., implanted metal devices, history of seizure, and surgical clips or staples)
- •Inability to understand and provide written informed consent
- •Multiple strokes on opposite hemispheres
- •Diagnosed comorbid neurological conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and dementia)
- •Severe hypertension
- •Cerebellar or brainstem strokes/lesions
- •Concurrent depression and/or anxiety disorders
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) Score
Time Frame: Baseline, post-intervention (2-weeks)
Patient reported outcome measuring trait fatigue over the past 7 days. Minimum score = 7 maximum score = 63, higher scores indicate greater fatigue
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS)(Baseline, post-intervention (2-weeks))