CompletedNot Applicable

Innovative Treatments for Neurogenic Dysphagia

Italy110 participantsStarted 2021-06-15

Plain-language summary

This study aims to evaluate different non-invasive and neuromuscular stimulation treatments for neurogenic dysphagia in post-stroke and Parkinson's disease patients. The study is divided into three sub-studies: 1. Unilateral, bihemispheric, or sham transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in post-stroke dysphagia (patients ≥2 weeks from onset). 2. Bihemispheric or sham tDCS in Parkinson's disease-related dysphagia. 3. Neuromuscular stimulation therapy in post-stroke and Parkinson's disease dysphagia.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 85 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-85 years * Diagnosis of post-stroke or Parkinson's disease-related dysphagia * Dysphagia duration ≥ 2 weeks for post-stroke patients and ≥ 6 months for Parkinson's disease patients * Ability to undergo rehabilitation therapy * Written informed consent obtained Exclusion Criteria: * Severe dysphagia requiring Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) feeding for more than 1 year * Non-neurogenic causes of dysphagia * Contraindications to tDCS or NMES * Cognitive impairment affecting compliance with treatment

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) score

Timeframe: At baseline and 6 weeks post-treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07152899

SponsorIRCCS National Neurological Institute "C. Mondino" Foundation

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-01-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stroke, Complication trials