Botulinum toxin injection for swallowing difficulties after brain stem infarction

Effect of Botulinum Toxin Injection Into Upper Esophageal Sphincter on Swallowing Function in Patients With Medullary Infarction

Not applicable Interventional The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University · NCT06196606

This study is testing if botulinum toxin injections can help people with swallowing difficulties after a brain stem stroke feel better and eat more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zhengzhou)
Trial IDNCT06196606 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type A injections into the upper esophageal sphincter for patients suffering from dysphagia due to medullary infarction. The study involves ultrasound-guided injections at specific sites in the esophageal sphincter, combined with daily swallowing training. The aim is to improve swallowing function in patients who have not responded to standard rehabilitation treatments. By addressing the high incidence of swallowing disorders in this population, the trial seeks to enhance patient quality of life and nutritional status.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with medullary infarction who have persistent swallowing difficulties despite rehabilitation efforts.

Not a fit: Patients with lesions outside the medulla oblongata, severe cognitive impairment, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve swallowing function and quality of life for patients with dysphagia due to medullary infarction.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored botulinum toxin injections for similar swallowing disorders, showing promising results, though this specific application may be novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* MRI examination of the head confirmed the medullary infarction.
* Those who have not significantly improved swallowing function after standardized rehabilitation treatment for more than 2 weeks (FOIS remains unchanged or decreases)
* Video-fluroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) indicated incomplete/non-opening of the cricopharyngeal muscle
* Based on Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, the hyoid bone moves upward more than half the height of the C3 cone
* Vital signs are stable
* The patient himself or his family voluntarily signed a written informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Brain MRI showed that there were lesions in other areas outside the medulla oblongata
* People who have suffered from stroke in the past
* Patients with severe cognitive impairment, mental illness and severe cardiopulmonary disease
* Abnormal throat structure
* Malignant tumor patient
* Patients with other neuromuscular diseases
* Infection or wound at the injection site
* Botulinum toxin allergic person
* Hemorrhagic tendency and coagulation dysfunction

Where this trial is running

Zhengzhou

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Brain Stem InfarctionsDysphagia, OropharyngealDysphagia, EsophagealBotulinum ToxinsEsophageal Sphincter, Upper
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.