Evaluating changes in swallowing, taste, and smell in stroke patients
Official title: Changes in Sensitivity of Swallowing-relevant Structures, Taste and Smell in Stroke Patients
Run by University of Giessen · NCT03240965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how swallowing, taste, and smell change in stroke patients, especially those who have trouble swallowing, to see if there are any links between these issues.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Giessen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Giessen, Hesse) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2017 |
| Main results expected | February 2025 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 1, 2023 |
| Trial ID | NCT03240965 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include stroke patients who have experienced a new supratentorial stroke within the last 72 hours and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pre-existing strokes or dysphagia, extensive white matter lesions, or allergies to odorous substances may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the changes in swallowing, taste, and smell in stroke patients, particularly focusing on those with dysphagia. It employs flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and sensitivity threshold tests to assess the swallowing reflex and pharyngeal sensitivity. Additionally, neuropsychological testing will be conducted to evaluate any cognitive deficits related to swallowing. The study also aims to explore the correlation between changes in taste and smell in stroke patients, an area that has not been systematically researched.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of dysphagia in stroke patients, potentially reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on swallowing and sensitivity in stroke patients, this specific combination of assessments is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Volunteers: * informed consent Stroke patients: * informed consent * new supratentorial stroke (\<72 hours old) confirmed by CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Exclusion Criteria: * pre-existing stroke oder dysphagia * extensive white matter lesions in CT- or MRI-scan * allergies to odorous substances or flavoring * contraindications for FEES (flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing), CT or MRI (stroke patients only)
Where it's running
-
Universitätsklinikum Gießen
Giessen, Hesse, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tobias Braun, M.D. — University Giessen
- Study coordinator: Tobias Braun, M.D.
- Email: tobias.braun@neuro.med.uni-giessen.de
- Phone: +49(0)-641-985
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Digital Tongue-Pressure Biofeedback Training for Post-Stroke Swallowing
This study tests whether digital tongue-pressure biofeedback training helps people with swallowing difficulties after stroke.
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Effects of CTAR and a Swallowing Pressure Ball in Older Stroke Adults
This study tests whether home-based CTAR exercises plus a swallowing pressure ball can improve swallowing function and eating-related quality of life for older adults who had a stroke and have dysphagia.
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Visual biofeedback-assisted oropharyngeal exercises with NMES for post-stroke swallowing problems
This test will try adding real-time visual feedback to swallowing exercises plus NMES in adults with post-stroke dysphagia to see if it improves swallowing function.
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Wearable microphone patch to detect swallowing problems
We will test whether a thin wearable microphone patch can detect swallowing problems in adults aged 40–85 with stroke during their routine barium swallow (VFSS).
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Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke
This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
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Kinesiology taping and swallowing exercises for stroke patients with dysphagia
This study is testing if using kinesiology taping along with swallowing exercises can help stroke patients with swallowing difficulties improve their muscle strength and swallowing ability.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.