NCT04188522 · Johns Hopkins University
Imaging Post-Stroke Recovery: Using MEG to Evaluate Cognition
What this study is about
This is a study using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to look at recovery in those with minor stroke. The investigators know that these individuals report difficulties in attention, concentration, multi-tasking, energy level, and processing speed that appear to be independent of lesion size or location.
View original scientific description
This is a study using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to look at recovery in those with minor stroke. The investigators know that these individuals report difficulties in attention, concentration, multi-tasking, energy level, and processing speed that appear to be independent of lesion size or location. The underlying pathophysiology is unclear; however, anecdotally, many individuals are significantly improved by 6 months post-stroke. One hypothesis is that a single lesion, regardless of size, may disrupt the classic neural networks required for cognitive function. The investigators are currently collecting data to better characterize these difficulties and stroke patients' recovery as part of a previously approved recovery study. In this sub-study, the investigators propose to add MEG at 1 and 6 months in a subset of individuals with small: 1) subcortical, and 2) cortical lesions. The investigators will partner with colleagues at the University of Maryland (College Park), who are well experienced with MEG to conduct this research. In addition a control population of age-similar individuals will be recruited for comparison. Cerebral activation patterns of individuals with stroke versus controls will be compared, both across patients with stroke at a given time point, and within subjects from 1 to 6 months to determine the association of abnormal activation with cognitive dysfunction and recovery. \*\*The investigators have recently extended follow-up by adding an additional assessment at 12 months and will enroll additional participants (up to 40 patients with minor stroke, 15 age-similar controls).
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
Participants will undergo MEG at the University of Maryland (College Park) to measure cerebral activity while performing a visual naming task. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) will also be administered.
Primary outcome measures
Cerebral Activity Measured Using Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
Time frame: Up to 10 weeks
Global patterns of cerebral activity as well as individual brain areas important for cognitive processing will be analyzed for differences with respect to amplitude, latency, and frequency.
Cerebral Activity Measured Using Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Global patterns of cerebral activity as well as individual brain areas important for cognitive processing will be analyzed for differences with respect to amplitude, latency, and frequency.
Cerebral Activity Measured Using Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Global patterns of cerebral activity as well as individual brain areas important for cognitive processing will be analyzed for differences with respect to amplitude, latency, and frequency.
Reaction Time
Time frame: Up to 10 weeks
Reaction times will be recorded and compared during the visual naming task
Reaction Time
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Reaction times will be recorded and compared during the visual naming task
Reaction Time
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Reaction times will be recorded and compared during the visual naming task
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults (≥18 years) admitted to Bayview Medical Center Neurology.
- Evidence of acute ischemic stroke (CT or MRI)- lacunar stroke or branch occlusion (M3/A3/P3 or smaller) OR NIHSS ≤ 8 on admission.
- Competent speaker of English (by self or family report) prior to stroke.
- Return for follow-up 4-6 weeks post event (+/- 4 wks).
- Cognitive deficits present on initial testing.\*\
- unique to MEG study
- Willing to travel to the University of Maryland twice for MEG.\*\
- unique to MEG study
- Fully independent functionally and able to travel to the University of Maryland unassisted.\*\
- unique to MEG study
Exclusion criteria
- Primary intracerebral hemorrhage- as evidenced by blood on head CT or MRI.
- Previous neurological disease (e.g., dementia, multiple sclerosis, prior symptomatic stroke). Incidental asymptomatic lacunar strokes found on imaging will not be excluded as prior disease.
- Uncorrected hearing or visual loss.
- Large vessel occlusion.
- Presence of any of the following that would lead to significant artifact on MEG: cardiac pacemaker, intracranial clips, metal implants, or external clips within 10mm of the head, metal in the eyes.\*\
- unique to MEG study
- Claustrophobia, obesity, and/or any other reason leading to difficulty staying in the MEG for up to 1 hour.\*\
- unique to MEG study
- For controls- clinical history of stroke or other neurological dysfunction (seizure, multiple sclerosis, etc.); psychiatric disease
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
University of Maryland, College Park, American Heart Association
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations