Methods: A PUBMED search was done to select papers published for the use of tDCS in post-stroke aphasia. The key search terms used included ‘transcranial direct current stimulation’ or ‘brain polarisation’ with ‘language’, ‘aphasia’, and ‘post-stroke aphasia.’ Studies between March 2005 and May 2024 were included.

Results: Our search yielded 37 studies of interest. The studies included those conducted on healthy individuals to assess the effects of tDCS and those conducted on patients with post-stroke aphasia. The majority of the studies were conducted in patients with chronic aphasia. Broca’s area in the left cerebral hemisphere was the most common stimulation site. Most studies have noted improvement with anodal stimulation of the left cerebral hemisphere, showing benefit in naming nouns but limited improvement in functional conversation. Results of right cerebral hemisphere stimulation conflicted with studies noting improvement with both cathodal and anodal stimulation. There were only a small number of studies on acute and subacute aphasia, and their findings were inconclusive.

Conclusion: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation is a promising tool for post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation and may soon become a cornerstone of aphasia management when used in combination with other rehabilitation techniques. Further research is needed to understand the role of tDCS in treating acute aphasia and to fine-tune the stimulation parameters.