Examining brain activity during swallowing in patients with Lateral Medullary Syndrome

Cortical Activation and Functional Connectivity Changes During Swallowing in Patients With Dysphagia in Lateral Medullary Syndrome

Observational The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University · NCT06208020

This study is trying to see how swallowing affects brain activity in people with Lateral Medullary Syndrome compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zhengzhou, Henan)
Trial IDNCT06208020 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate changes in cortical activation and functional connectivity during swallowing in patients with dysphagia caused by Lateral Medullary Syndrome (LMS). Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), the study will compare the brain activity of LMS patients to that of healthy subjects while they perform swallowing tasks. The primary focus is to identify differences in brain function related to swallowing, which may provide insights into the neurological underpinnings of dysphagia in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are right-handed adults aged 18-80 who have experienced their first ischemic stroke confirmed as Lateral Medullary Syndrome and have dysphagia.

Not a fit: Patients with other central nervous system diseases or serious physical or mental disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of dysphagia in LMS patients, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited information on similar studies, the use of fNIRS in assessing cortical function during swallowing is a relatively novel approach in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The first ischemic stroke was confirmed by head MRI as LMS;
* 18-80 years old, right-handed;
* Dysphagia was confirmed by video fluoroscopic swallow study(VFSS);
* Conscious enough to cooperate with fNIRS testing;
* No previous neurological or mental illness.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other central nervous system diseases (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, intracranial tumors, etc.);
* Other diseases causing dysphagia (tumors of the esophagus, larynx, nasopharynx, etc.);
* Serious physical diseases (cancer, fracture, etc.);
* Other mental disorders (mania, schizophrenia, etc.);
* Unconscious, unable to cooperate with the examination

Where this trial is running

Zhengzhou, Henan

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 Deglutition DisordersLateral Medullary Syndrome
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.