Brain Connectivity Analysis

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

tDCS: Transcranial direct current stimulation

Study summary

Stroke remains the leading cause of permanent disability. The neuromodulation technique of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has the potential to serve as an adjuvant therapy to enhance neuronal connectivity following stroke. By combining electroencephalography (EEG) and tDCS, this study aims to investigate changes in network connectivity and cerebral plasticity, which are key factors in functional recovery after stroke.

The objectives are to: 1) analyze how tDCS modulates neuronal activity, 2) evaluate persistent effects in follow-up assessments, and 3) predict patient outcomes. Studies on human subjects will be complemented by research in a mouse model of stroke to: 1) identify the molecular mechanisms underlying tDCS effects on functional recovery, 2) establish correlations among functional, molecular, and connectivity indices, and 3) assess the efficacy of biomimetic nanoparticles in targeting injured brain tissue to reduce inflammation, enhance neuronal plasticity, and support functional recovery.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Evaluate effects of tDCS in short-term follow-ups in terms of EEG Coherence — from month 8 to month 12
  Analysis of Magnitude Squared Coherence to evaluate short-term tDCS effects
• Evaluate persistent effect of tDCS in long-term follow-ups of EEG Coherence — From month 15 to the end of project
  Analysis of Magnitude Squared Coherence evaluate long-term tDCS effects
• Evaluate effects of tDCS in short-term follow-ups in terms of EEG Connectivity — from month 8 to month 12
  Analysis of EEG Connectivity to evaluate short-term tDCS effects
• Evaluate persistent effect of tDCS in long-term follow-ups of EEG Connectivity — From month 15 to the end of project
  Analysis of EEG Connectivity to evaluate long-term tDCS effects
• Predict patients' outcome — through study completion, an average of 1 year
  Use of AI to predict the outcome of the patient

Trial sites (1)

More IRCCS San Raffaele Roma trials in Italy