Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * patients after first-ever clinical ischemic stroke in the early (\>3 month) or later chronic (\>6 months) stage of recovery * persistent motor deficit of the upper extremity * stroke location: supratentorial * age \> 18 years * written informed consent obtained Exclusion Criteria: * contraindication against MRI \& tDCS * known epilepsy, previous epileptic seizure * electric implants such as brain stimulator * medical history suggesting more than one previous stroke * severe polyneuropathy and peripheral ischemic vascular diseases; only if they critically influence sensorimotor function of the upper limb * any active drug and alcohol abuse * any active and severe psychiatric disease (such as psychosis) * severe cognitive deficits (mini mental state examination, MMSE ≤ 23) * uncontrolled other medical problems (cardiovascular diseases, instable arrhythmia, arthritis)