Study of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Improve Thinking Skills in Adults With Long-Term Post-Concussion Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS on people with persistent post-concussion syndrome PCS after mild traumatic brain injury mTBI. PCS affects many individuals and causes various physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms due to abnormal brain processing following injury. This study aims to understand how tDCS influences brain connectivity and cognitive functions, focusing on processing speed and executive function. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or sham placebo stimulation over 10 sessions during two weeks, once per day on working days. The active tDCS targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with a brief ramp-up and ramp-down stimulation causing a tingling sensation. During each session, participants perform a 20-minute cognitive training program consisting of five exercises designed to improve processing speed and executive abilities. During the study, participants will undergo cognitive assessments at the start and one day after completing the intervention to measure executive function and reaction time. The research includes brain imaging and spectroscopy evaluations to observe brain changes. Safety and tolerability will be monitored, and the total involvement spans approximately two weeks. The primary focus is on improvements in executive function as measured by standardized tests.

Effects of tDCS for Enhancing Cognitive Function in Individuals With Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome