The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether transcranial direct current stimulation of the cerebral swallow motor cortex in addition to standard care can enhance recovery of swallow function in acute dysphagic stroke patients compared to sham treatment plus standard care.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
60
20 Minutes of transcranial direct current stimulation (20 min, 1 mA) administered over the contralesional cortical swallow motor area once daily over 4 consecutive days. In case of a brainstem stroke stimulation will be applied over the cortical swallow motor area of the right hemisphere.
20 Minutes of sham transcranial direct current stimulation (20 min, no current applied) administered over the contralesional cortical swallow motor area once daily over 4 consecutive days. In case of a brainstem stroke sham stimulation will be applied over the cortical swallow motor area of the right hemisphere.
Department of Neurology, University of Muenster
Münster, Germany
FEDSS (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Dysphagia Severity Scale) Score
Time frame: Within three days after the last stimulation session
Diet at discharge
Time frame: by the time of discharge, an expected average of 2 weeks after the last stimulation session
Dysphagia Severity Rating Score
Time frame: within three days after the last stimulation session
Endoscopically assessed swallow function
Improvement of salient endoscopic findings
Time frame: within three days after the last stimulation session
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.