Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in the Treatment of Dyslexia.

Dyslexia Clinical Trial

Official title: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in the Treatment of Dyslexia: a Randomized Double-blind Study.

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The present study grounds on the absence of evidence-based treatment in individuals with dyslexia. At this topic, the present study will explore the potential effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over parieto-occipital brain regions, cerebral areas usually disrupted in individuals with dyslexia. tDCS will be administered without concomitantly training.

Therefore, the investigators hypothesized that active tDCS over parieto-occipital areas will enhance reading skills in children and adolescents with dyslexia. On the contrary, sham tDCS (placebo) over parieto-occipital areas will not have significant effect on reading. Further, both active and sham tDCS will be safe and well-tolerated.

Clinical Trial Description

The study design is randomized stratified, cross-over, double-blind, placebo-controlled.

Children and adolescents with dyslexia will be selected and randomly assigned to two different groups: 1. Active tDCS over parieto-occipital areas + sham tDCS over parieto-occipital areas (Active-Sham tDCS); 2. Sham tDCS over parieto-occipital areas + active tDCS over parieto-occipital areas (Sham-Active tDCS).

In this project, the investigators will work to understand whether a brain-based intervention, with the use of tDCS without combined training, can enhance reading in individuals with dyslexia.

The protocol will allow the investigators to:

1. Testing the efficacy of stand-alone tDCS in enhancing reading in individuals with dyslexia;

2. Testing the critical role of brain regions (parieto-occipital areas) usually involved in reading and disrupted in dyslexia;

3. Predicting outcomes based on reading-related skills;

4. Investigating the safety and tolerability of tDCS;

The overarching goal is to provide a scientific foundation for devising new rehabilitation strategies in dyslexia. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Dyslexia

• NCT number: NCT04244578
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Bambino Gesù Hospital and Research Institute
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: May 1, 2016
• Completion date: February 1, 2021