Stroke Recovery and Music or No Music

The primary outcome of this study is to determine the quantitative increase in connectivity, as measured by fMRI brain and calculated as a percent increase from baseline in patients with ischemic stroke. Eligible patients will receive a listening session of music or spoken word listening, 30 days to 5 years following ischemic stroke. Assessments will include modified Rankin Scale, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, motor function tests, and neuropsychological evaluations. Assessments occur at baseline, day 45, and day 90 after starting listening sessions.