Treatment of Chronic Post-stroke Oropharyngeal Dysphagia With Paired Stimulation

Launched by HOSPITAL DE MATARÓ · Jan 31, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new treatment for patients who have difficulty swallowing, known as oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD), after having a stroke. Swallowing problems can lead to serious health issues like malnutrition and lung infections, so finding effective treatments is very important. The trial will explore how well two different combinations of therapies—one involving a brain stimulation technique and the other using a different brain stimulation method along with a substance called capsaicin (found in chili peppers)—can improve swallowing safety and overall health in patients who are recovering from a stroke.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be adults aged 65 to 74 who had a stroke more than three months ago and have trouble swallowing safely. They should also be able to understand and follow the study instructions. Throughout the trial, participants will receive the treatment over five days and will be closely monitored for changes in their swallowing function, hospital stays, and overall quality of life. It's important to note that individuals with certain conditions, such as pregnancy or specific neurological disorders, will not be able to participate. This trial aims to provide new hope for improving the quality of life for those affected by post-stroke swallowing difficulties.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Chronic (\>3 and \<24 months) unilateral hemispheric stroke adult patients.
• • Patients with impaired safety of swallow with a penetration-aspiration score (PAS) ≥ 2 with videofluoroscopy (VFS).
• • Patient able to follow the study protocol and give the written informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnancy.
• • Life expectancy less than 3m or palliative care.
• • Neurodegenerative disorder.
• • Previously diagnosed oropharyngeal dysphagia (dysphagia not related to stroke).
• • Implanted electronic device.
• • Epilepsy.
• • Metal in the head.
• • Participation in another clinical trial in the previous month.