Electroacupuncture and NGF treatment for swallowing difficulties after stroke

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the combined effect of specific mode electroacupuncture stimulation and nerve growth factor (NGF) injections on patients experiencing dysphagia following an ischemic stroke. The study aims to determine if this combination can enhance the delivery of NGF across the blood-brain barrier, thereby improving swallowing function and overall brain recovery. Participants will receive either the active treatment or a placebo, and their progress will be monitored to assess the efficacy of the intervention. The trial is designed to provide insights into a novel approach for neurorehabilitation in stroke patients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with first-ever ischemic stroke confirmed by Computed Tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI);
2. Onset time ranged from 15 days to 180 days;
3. Aged 18 to 80 years old, male or female;
4. Dysphagia confirmed by a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS);
5. Patients who are able to accept and comply with acupuncture, electroacupuncture treatment, gluteal intramuscular injection, and have good compliance;
6. Have provided signed consent and exhibit willingness to participate in the trial.
7. Women who are lactating, pregnant or intending to get pregnant;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with dysphagia before ischemic stroke onset or dysphagia not caused by ischemic stroke;
2. Patients with severe cognitive impairment;
3. Patients with severe cardiac, hepatic, and renal dysfunction, as well as severe coagulation abnormalities;
4. Patients with other abnormal test results who are deemed unsuitable to participate in this study by the investigator.
5. Multiple occurrences of stroke, or a history of craniocerebral surgery, or cerebral infarction caused by trauma or brain tumors.
6. Patients with severe neurological deficits prior to ischemic stroke, such as visual and auditory impairments, aphasia, agnosia, severe hemiplegia, and other conditions.
7. Women who are lactating, pregnant or intending to get pregnant;
8. Patients with a history of needle fainting or with skin infections at the acupuncture site.
9. Cardiac pacemaker carrier;
10. Patients allergic to NGF;
11. The inability to undergo VFSS;
12. Patients with a medication history that may alter cortical excitability within the past 2 months.
13. Patients who are currently participating in other clinical trials or have participated in clinical trials that ended within the last 3 months.

Where it's running

• The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
  Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Xianming Lin, PHD
• Email: linxianming1966@163.com
• Phone: +86-13858028101

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Theta Burst Stimulation to Help Stroke Recovery (Upper and Lower Limbs)

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.