Speech Tasks for Speech Perception

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byEdward F Chang, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The basic mechanisms underlying comprehension of spoken language are still largely unknown. Over the past decade, the study team has gained new insights to how the human brain extracts the most fundamental linguistic elements (consonants and vowels) from a complex and highly variable acoustic signal. However, the next set of questions await pertaining to the sequencing of those auditory elements and how they are integrated with other features, such as, the amplitude envelope of speech. Further investigation of the cortical representation of speech sounds can likely shed light on these fundamental questions. Previous research has implicated the superior temporal cortex in the processing of speech sounds, but little is known about how these sounds are linked together into the perceptual experience of words and continuous speech. The overall goal is to determine how the brain extracts linguistic elements from a complex acoustic speech signal towards better understanding and remediating human language disorders.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals at UCSF with epilepsy or brain tumors who are undergoing surgical electrode implantation. They must have electrodes in at least two key brain areas and be able to perform study tasks. Those unable to consent, with significant cerebral lesions, or cognitive deficits that prevent task completion cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I have electrodes implanted in my brain and can follow study instructions.

I am undergoing surgery at UCSF for epilepsy or a brain tumor, involving electrode implantation or awake brain mapping.

Exclusion Criteria

I am able to understand and complete study tasks despite any cognitive issues.

I am unable or unwilling to give consent for this trial.

I have significant brain lesions.

Participant Groups

The study investigates how the superior temporal gyrus of the brain processes speech sounds. Participants will perform speech tasks while their brain activity is monitored to understand how we perceive words and continuous speech, aiming to improve language disorder treatments.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Electrocorticography (ECoG) recording during Speech TasksExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants listened to 25-minute Speech Tasks while ECoG signals for neural activity was recorded during their intraoperative procedure or inpatient hospitalization at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).