Using brain stimulation to improve swallowing in stroke patients
Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Oral Feeding on Dysphagia: A Randomized Controlled Study
This study is testing if a new brain stimulation technique can help stroke patients with swallowing difficulties improve their ability to eat and drink.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Xinzhu) |
| Trial ID | NCT06249425 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with oral feeding on patients suffering from dysphagia following a stroke. Participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving tDCS or a placebo group, both of which undergo routine rehabilitation therapy and swallowing training. The trial lasts for 15 days, during which the effectiveness of tDCS in enhancing swallowing abilities is evaluated. The study aims to determine if this innovative approach can lead to better recovery outcomes for stroke patients with swallowing difficulties.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 who have experienced a first-time ischemic stroke and have confirmed swallowing disorders requiring enteral nutrition support.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, other neurological disorders, or contraindications for tDCS may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve swallowing function and quality of life for stroke patients with dysphagia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with transcranial direct current stimulation in various neurological rehabilitation contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Meet the diagnostic criteria for ischemic stroke; * Age \> 18 years; * First-time stroke; * Swallowing disorder confirmed by swallowing contrast study or flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing; * Requires enteral nutrition support; * Stable vital signs, no severe cognitive impairment or aphasia, able to cooperate with treatment; * Transferred to the rehabilitation department within fifteen days of onset; Stable vital signs. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of contraindications for invasive oral endoscopy; * Concurrent presence of other neurodegenerative diseases that may cause swallowing disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases; * Concurrent presence of other neurological disorders; * Tracheostomized patients; * Concurrent liver, kidney failure, tumor, or hematological disorders; * Pregnancy; * Presence of contraindications for transcranial direct current stimulation, such as epilepsy, cerebral edema; * Recent use of centrally acting drugs that interfere with the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproic acid, etc.
Where this trial is running
Xinzhu
- Hsinchu Rehabilitation Hospital — Xinzhu, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zhefeng Wang, Master
- Email: zenghongjiclv@foxmail.com
- Phone: 19501376864
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.