Using Virtual Reality Therapy to Help Swallowing in Wallenberg Syndrome

A Randomized Controlled Study to Explore the Effect of Virtual Reality Therapy on Dysphagia in Wallenberg Syndrome

This study tests if using Virtual Reality Therapy can improve swallowing for people with Wallenberg Syndrome when combined with regular treatment.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 85 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Xinzhu)
• Trial ID: NCT06286020 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Therapy in treating dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, in patients with Wallenberg Syndrome. Participants will receive both conventional dysphagia treatment and Virtual Reality Therapy daily for 14 days. The study aims to compare the outcomes of these patients with a control group to assess the impact and mechanisms of Virtual Reality Therapy on swallowing rehabilitation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed adults aged 18-85 with confirmed dysphagia due to Wallenberg Syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing dysphagia from other conditions, such as Parkinson's disease or dementia, 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 patients with Wallenberg Syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While the application of Virtual Reality in rehabilitation is promising, this specific approach for dysphagia in Wallenberg Syndrome is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* age ranged from 18-85 years and right-handed;
* first onset, vital signs stable and conscious;
* the dysphagia confirmed by videofluoroscopic swallowing study;
* no cognitive impairment, the mini-mental state examination score: \>17 for those with an illiterate education, \>20 for those with an elementary education, and \>24 for those with a secondary education and above;
* cranial integrity without craniotomy and/or craniectomy;
* patient and/or his/her relative agrees and signs written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* combined ischemic foci at other sites;
* presence of organic swallowing dysfunction or pre-existing dysphagia due to Parkinson's disease, dementia, and others;
* severe cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, and renal insufficiency and vital organ failure;
* infected or broken skin on the head;
* poorly controlled epilepsy;
* poor patient compliance.

Where this trial is running

Xinzhu

• Xinzhu Rehabilitation Hospital — Xinzhu, Taiwan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Zhefeng Zeng, Master

Conditions: Wallenberg Syndrome