Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Intermittent Oral to Esophageal Tube on Dysphagia

Launched by ZENG CHANGHAO · Feb 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new treatment approach for patients who have difficulty swallowing (a condition called dysphagia) after having a stroke. The researchers want to see if combining a method called transcranial direct current stimulation (which uses a gentle electrical current to stimulate the brain) with standard rehabilitation and a special feeding tube can help improve swallowing abilities in these patients. Participants in the trial will be divided into two groups: one will receive the actual treatment, while the other will receive a placebo that doesn’t provide any real treatment effects but looks similar.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be at least 18 years old, have had a first-time stroke confirmed by medical imaging, and be experiencing difficulty swallowing that requires special feeding support. They should also be stable enough to participate in rehabilitation. The trial will last for 15 days, during which all patients will continue with traditional rehab and feeding support, and those in the treatment group will receive the brain stimulation therapy. It’s important to know that some individuals may not qualify due to certain health conditions or medications, so a thorough screening will take place. This trial aims to find better ways to help improve swallowing after a stroke, which can greatly enhance patients' quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Meet the diagnostic criteria for ischemic stroke confirmed by MRI or CT;
• • 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.