RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Changes in Sensitivity, Taste and Smell in Stroke Patients

This research wants to understand how a stroke changes a person's ability to swallow, as well as their sense of taste and smell. Swallowing difficulties are common after a stroke and can lead to serious health problems. Researchers will use a small, flexible camera to look at swallowing, measure how sensitive the throat is, and carry out taste and smell tests. They will also do some thinking and memory tests. The study compares stroke patients with healthy volunteers, both younger and older, to see how these changes are linked. The aim is to find out more about why swallowing problems happen and how they might be connected to changes in taste and smell after a stroke.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Giessen

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Oct 2017

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Dysphagia Stroke

What is this study about?

This study is looking into how a stroke can affect a person's ability to swallow, their sense of taste, and their sense of smell. Swallowing can become difficult for many people after a stroke, and this is called dysphagia. When swallowing is affected, food or drink can sometimes go down the 'wrong way' towards the lungs, which can lead to serious lung infections like aspiration pneumonia. This is why understanding swallowing difficulties is so important.

The researchers think that being able to feel things properly in your throat is really important for safe swallowing. They also want to see if your senses of taste and smell are affected by a stroke, and if these changes are connected to swallowing problems. Current treatments for swallowing difficulties don't always target the root cause, so by understanding these connections better, doctors hope to find new ways to help people who have had a stroke.

To do this, the study will gently examine swallowing using a special camera inserted through the nose (called FEES), check how sensitive the throat is, and conduct tests for taste and smell. They'll also do some simple tests to check thinking skills, as some stroke patients might have problems with the brain working out how to swallow. By comparing stroke patients to healthy people of different ages, the study aims to get a clearer picture of how a stroke alters these important functions.

Key takeaways

Study aims to understand swallowing, taste, and smell changes after stroke.
Uses a small camera (FEES) to check swallowing in your throat.
Important for helping future stroke patients with eating and drinking.
Compares stroke patients with healthy volunteers, including older adults.
Participation includes one session of tests; no long-term follow-up.

Who may be eligible?

The study is looking for two main groups of people: healthy volunteers and stroke patients.

For healthy volunteers, you need to be willing to take part and give your permission. For stroke patients, you must have had a new stroke within the last 72 hours (that's three days) in a specific part of the brain, which will be confirmed by a brain scan like a CT or MRI. You also need to be willing to take part and give your permission.

You cannot join the study if you've had a stroke or swallowing problems before this new stroke, or if your brain scans show major changes to your brain's white matter. You also can't take part if you have allergies to smells or flavours, or if you have any medical reasons why you shouldn't have a FEES test, CT scan, or MRI scan.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you willing to give your permission to take part?
Have you recently had a stroke (within the last 3 days)? (Stroke patients only)
Have you *not* had a stroke or swallowing problems before?
Do you have any allergies to smells or flavours?
Are you able to have a FEES test and brain scans?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have several assessments. This includes using a small, flexible camera inserted through your nose to observe your swallowing (this is called a FEES test). Your throat's sensitivity will be measured, and you’ll complete specific tests to check your senses of taste and smell. You will also do some simple tests to check your thinking and memory skills. The study involves a one-time assessment and does not involve taking any medication or long-term follow-up beyond the initial tests. The total duration of your involvement will be limited to the time it takes to complete these assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you, but it will help us understand more about how stroke affects swallowing, taste, and smell, which could help future stroke patients. There are some minor risks associated with the tests, such as temporary discomfort during the FEES procedure or slight irritation from taste and smell tests. Brain scans (CT/MRI) have their own minimal risks, which the study team will explain, but you will only have these if they are already clinically necessary for your stroke care. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Universitätsklinikum Gießen
Verified postcode
Giessen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What does a 'FEES' test involve?

FEES stands for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. It involves gently inserting a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end through your nose to look at your throat while you swallow.

Will I have to eat or drink anything during the study?

Yes, during the FEES test, you might be asked to swallow small amounts of food or drink to see how your throat muscles work.

Is the study suitable for older people?

Yes, the study is comparing stroke patients with healthy volunteers, including those over 60, so older participants are welcome.

How long will my visit to the hospital for the study take?

The study involves a series of assessments, and the team will let you know the estimated time required for these tests when you discuss participating.

What if I feel uncomfortable during any of the tests?

You can let the study team know immediately if you feel uncomfortable at any point. You are free to stop any test or withdraw from the study at any time.

How to find out more

Tobias Braun, M.D.

tobias.braun@neuro.med.uni-giessen.de +49(0)-641-985 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.