Adjunctive Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for the Rehabilitation of Swallowing (ANSRS)
Dysphagia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Dysphagia focused on measuring swallowing, treatment, stroke,rehabilitation
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Stroke identified by neurological and radiological examination
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia as confirmed by clinical and radiological examination
- No prior history of oropharyngeal dysphagia by patient and/or caregiver report
- No previous head/neck surgery or trauma that may impact swallowing ability
- No other/concomitant neurological disorders (e.g. Parkinson's disease) that would impact oropharyngeal swallowing ability. This does not include post-stroke deficits.
- Physician and patient/family agreement to participate.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Exposed to previous behavioral or NMES swallowing therapy within 6 months of admission
- Presence of progressive neurological disorder, such as ALS; Parkinson's or other neurologic disorders within the last 6 months;
- History of neurosurgery (either ablative or stimulatory), encephalitis or significant head trauma.
- History of a significant medical condition such as heart, liver, or renal disease; history or evidence of malignancy within the past 5 years other than excised basal cell carcinoma.
- Because of FDA Warnings, patients with cardiac demand pace makers will be excluded.
- Patients with evidence of significant cognitive impairment or dementia as reflected in a Mini-Mental test less than 23 and/or a score of 50% or less on the comprehension quotient on the Western Aphasia Battery.
Sites / Locations
- Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Active Comparator
Placebo Comparator
Experimental
Usual Care
sham NMES
NMES therapy
Patients will receive behavioral swallowing therapy comprising combination's of treatment strategies / exercises chosen from an approved hierarchy. This formulation of treatment will be designed and applied by the treating clinician.The treatment will be provided daily for a one-hour over a consecutive 3-week period.
Patients will receive behavioral swallowing therapy comprising combinations of treatment strategies / exercises chosen from an approved hierarchy with the addition of non stimulating electrodes. A faux NMES device will be utilized with an active current display and non stimulating electrodes. The treatment will be provided daily for a one-hour over a consecutive 3-week period.
Patients will receive a protocol of standardized behavioral swallowing intervention combined with NMES. This formulation of treatment will be prescribed from a standard protocol and will be applied daily for one-hour over a consecutive 3-week period.