CompletedNot Applicable

rTMS Treatment of Dysphagia in Parkinson's Patients

Turkey (Türkiye)26 participantsStarted 2024-08-01

Plain-language summary

The study was conducted with patients with dysphagia who were followed up with Parkinson's disease in the neurology and physical therapy rehabilitation departments. The study is a prospective, double-blind clinical intervention study. Patients were divided into two groups (5 Hz and 10 Hz) and received rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) treatment. The pharyngeal cortex region was targeted in the intervention. Major aim in the treatment was to examine the difference in clinical response caused by the application of rTMS treatment at different frequencies.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 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: * Parkinson's disease for more than two years * Moderate-to-severe Parkinson's disease (Hoehn yahr 2-4) * The patient describing dysphagia symptoms * Patients being able to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * İntracranial metallic device * Cardiac pace-maker * History of seizure * İntracranial lesion on imaging * Hydrocephalus * Antipsychotic use * Babinski positivity * Berebellar symptoms * Depression * Dementia

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.

1This trial used repetitive TMS — a brain stimulation technique — to treat swallowing difficulties in Parkinson's patients, and it has already completed; is there any published data or findings from this study that you've seen, and what do the results suggest about whether rTMS might be worth considering for my swallowing problems?
2The trial measured swallowing ability using tools like the EAT-10 questionnaire and a camera-based swallowing exam called FEES — based on where I currently stand on those kinds of assessments, would I have been a typical candidate for a study like this?
3Since this trial is listed as Phase NA, meaning it may have been a smaller or exploratory study, how much weight should we put on its findings compared to more established treatments for Parkinson's-related dysphagia, like speech therapy or dietary modifications?
4Are there other ongoing or upcoming clinical trials studying rTMS or similar non-invasive brain stimulation approaches for swallowing difficulties in Parkinson's disease that might be worth looking into given that this one has already completed?
5Given that swallowing difficulties in Parkinson's can carry real safety risks like aspiration, should we be prioritizing standard-of-care swallowing therapy right now while also exploring whether an approach like rTMS could be added or considered down the line?

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

FEES evaluation

Timeframe: until two weeks after the start of treatment

Swallowing Assessment Form:

Timeframe: up to two weeks after the start of treatment

Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS):

Timeframe: until two weeks after the start of treatment

Functional Swallowing Scale (FSS):

Timeframe: until two weeks after the start of treatment

Swallowing Function Screening Test (EAT-10):

Timeframe: until two weeks after the start of treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07221110

SponsorEge University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-08-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Dysphagia trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 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.

What they're measuring

FEES evaluation

Timeframe: until two weeks after the start of treatment

Swallowing Assessment Form:

Timeframe: up to two weeks after the start of treatment

Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS):

Timeframe: until two weeks after the start of treatment

Functional Swallowing Scale (FSS):

Timeframe: until two weeks after the start of treatment

Swallowing Function Screening Test (EAT-10):

Timeframe: until two weeks after the start of treatment