Neuromodulation + Speech Therapy for Stuttering

This trial tests a new approach to help adults who stutter by combining a special kind of brain stimulation (tDCS, using the Soterix Medical 1x1 tDCS system) with speech therapy. The goal is to determine if this combination can reduce the impact of stuttering on daily life and explore changes in brain activity. Participants will receive either real brain stimulation or a placebo version during speech therapy to compare results. This trial may suit adults diagnosed with developmental stuttering who experience mild to moderate symptoms. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to new treatment options for stuttering.

If you are taking medications that affect brain activity, you may need to stop them to participate in this trial.

Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally safe. In previous studies, most users of the Soterix Medical 1x1 tDCS system experienced only minor side effects, such as slight tingling or itching at the application site. Serious side effects are rare, but following the operator's safety instructions is crucial.

Researchers are excited about this treatment for stuttering because it combines neuromodulation with speech therapy in a way that's never been done before. Unlike traditional approaches that rely solely on speech therapy, this treatment uses a device called the Soterix Medical 1x1 tDCS system to deliver a gentle electrical current to the brain, potentially enhancing the effects of therapy. The active tDCS aims to modify brain activity patterns associated with stuttering, offering a new mechanism that could lead to more effective and faster results. By integrating these two methods, the treatment has the potential to improve speech fluency in ways that traditional therapy alone may not achieve.

This trial will compare the effects of combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with speech therapy to speech therapy with sham tDCS. Research has shown that using a gentle electrical brain stimulation technique like tDCS alongside speech therapy might help reduce stuttering. One study found that combining tDCS with speech therapy improved language skills in people with speech difficulties. This occurs because tDCS can boost brain activity, helping different parts of the brain work together better for speech. Early findings suggest that this approach could enhance the effectiveness of speech therapy for those who stutter. While more research is needed, these initial results are promising for people considering this treatment.¹⁴⁶⁷⁸