Clinical Research Directory

Patients - Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age \>18 years 2. Ischemic stroke confirmed by clinical and imaging criteria 3. Hemiparesis including reduced upper-extremity function 4. Location of stroke either cortically involving middle cerebral artery or the anterior cerebral artery circulation or subcortical (involving thalamus, basal ganglia). 5. NIHSS score \>2 and \<8 6. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 3 7. Index of stroke within 4 weeks of inclusion 8. Signed informed consent Patients - Exclusion Criteria: 1. \>50% stenosis of extra- or intracranial artery as well as vascular malformations or aneurisms detected by brain CT-angiography. 2. Exclusively ischemic stroke in spine, pons, brainstem, medulla or cerebellum. 3. History of seizures, epilepsy, anxiety, dementia alcohol- or drug abuse. 4. Prior serious head injury or neurosurgery 5. Frequent severe headaches or migraine. 6. Pregnancy or breastfeeding 7. Current use of neuro-receptor/transmitter modulating medication, or medication interfering with seizure threshold (such as antiepileptic medication, some antidepressants, anxiety medication, antihistamines, stimulant drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). 8. Pacemaker, implantable cardiac device unit (ICD-unit), metal fragments or other materials implanted not compatible with MRI (see appendix B). 9. Claustrophobia 10. Prior adverse effect to TDCS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. 11. Not able to provide informed consent. 12. Terminally ill or short life expectancy. Healthy controls - Inclusion criteria: 1. Age between \>18 years (matched to patients) 2. Sex and age matched to patients 3. Able bodied 4. Have the ability to comply with all requirements of the study protocol, as determined by the investigator 5. No history of stroke or dementia 6. Eligible for MRI and TMS Healthy controls - Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of neurologic disease 2. History of cerebral haemorrhage or brain damage 3. Pregnancy 4. Pacemaker or other implanted electronic devices 5. Claustrophobia 6. Psychiatric disorder 7. Epilepsy or close relatives suffering from epilepsy 8. Migraine 9. Any contraindication to MRI or TMS