Zapping the brain to restore swallowing after stroke

NCT ID NCT07732673

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Juliane Lisboa Pereira Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a gentle electrical current applied to the brain — called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — can help older adults recover the ability to swallow after a stroke. Hospitalized patients aged 60 to 80 with swallowing difficulties will receive either real or sham tDCS alongside standard speech therapy for 10 sessions. The goal is to see if adding brain stimulation speeds up recovery compared to therapy alone.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — a non-invasive brain stimulation device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safe, drug-free way to speed up swallowing recovery after a stroke, reducing complications like pneumonia.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with 66 participants. tDCS may cause mild scalp discomfort, and the added benefit over standard therapy alone is not yet proven.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Deglutition Disorders stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DYSPHAGIA STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital Regional Dr Abelardo Santos

Belém, Pará, 66811-000., Brazil

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