Using Pharyngeal Electrostimulation to Treat Swallowing Difficulties from Neurological Conditions

Register Study: Implementation of Pharyngeal Electrostimulation Therapy for the Treatment of Acute Neurogenic Dysphagia

Observational Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences · NCT05190718

This study is testing a new device called Phagenyx® to see if it can help people with swallowing difficulties caused by neurological conditions like stroke or brain injury.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tulln, Low Austria)
Trial IDNCT05190718 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on the implementation of pharyngeal electrostimulation therapy for patients suffering from neurogenic dysphagia, a condition often resulting from neurological diseases such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and long COVID-19. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Phagenyx® device, which has shown promise in improving swallowing function in patients who are difficult to treat with conventional methods. Participants will undergo standardized assessments to determine their eligibility and the impact of the therapy on their swallowing capabilities and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with neurogenic dysphagia resulting from conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, or Parkinson's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable cardiac or respiratory conditions, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve swallowing function and quality of life for patients with neurogenic dysphagia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with pharyngeal electrostimulation, indicating that this approach is promising and not entirely novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Neurogenic dysphagia

  * Ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes
  * Infra- as well as supra-tentorial
  * Polyradiculitis
  * Parkinson's disease
  * Multiple sclerosis
  * Dementia
  * Traumatic brain injury
  * Post Covid-19 pat.
* patients over the age of 18.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to nasogastric tube,
* Unstable cardiac or respiratory condition that does not allow the insertion of the Nasogastric tube
* Pacemakers
* Implanted defibrillators (ICD)
* Pregnant
* Breastfeeding women

(Caution: interfering signals may be visible in ECGs, \& EEGs with continuous recording).

Where this trial is running

Tulln, Low Austria

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 Neurogenic DysphagiaTraumatic Brain InjuryStrokeDysphagiaLong Covid-19Intubation ComplicationPolyradiculitisPhagenyx
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.