Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) for patients with Post-Stroke Anomia: Preliminary Data on Picture Naming Performance

TL;DR

This study provides preliminary evidence that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can improve picture-naming performance in post-stroke anomia patients, with effects lasting up to three months.

Contribution

First investigation applying tACS to post-stroke anomia, demonstrating potential for improving language function with lasting effects.

Findings

Picture-naming was significantly faster during tACS sessions.

Participants showed improved accuracy and speed after treatment.

EEG indicated brain activity resembled healthy individuals post-treatment.

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) treating patients with post-stroke anomia using a picture-naming task and a Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED). A right-handed 38-year-old woman with a left-hemisphere stroke and a left-handed 54-year-old man with a right-hemisphere stroke underwent an eight-week treatment program. Specifically, they participated in a picture-naming task three times a week, alternating between sessions with and without tACS stimulation every two weeks. Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements were taken at the end of each two-week period, and behavioral data were collected before, during and after the treatment. EEG and behavioral assessments were also conducted at one- and three-month follow-ups. Picture-naming performance was significantly faster during tACS sessions compared to sessions without tACS. By the end of the intervention, both participants demonstrated improved accuracy and speed, with positive effects also observed in behavioral measures. EEG analysis showed that post-treatment brain activity resembled that of healthy individuals performing similar tasks. Patients' improvements in picture-naming and behavioral tests showed that the positive effects remained stable even after three months. Thus, preliminary data suggest that tACS might be a promising intervention for anomia, with lasting effects. Large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.