Individuals with Dysphagia Sought

Scientists at the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) are conducting two experimental studies using different stimulation devices that may improve swallowing.  You may be eligible if you are 18-90 years of age and have had difficulty swallowing for more than four months. Patients with pacemakers, deep brain stimulators, rapidly progressive neurological disease, a history of head and neck cancer, suppressed immune systems or severe to moderately-severe COPD are not eligible to participate.

This study requires five visits to Bethesda, MD. One of these visits will include 10 daily 1- hour treatment sessions. Patient who have difficulty traveling, or who live more than 50 miles from Bethesda, are invited to stay at the Clinical Center.  All study-related expenses will be paid by the NIH. There is no cost for participation or for any tests associated with this research.

For further information, contact the Laryngeal & Speech Section, NINDS, NIH, Building 10, Room 5D38, 10 Center Drive MSC 1416, Bethesda, MD 20892-1408; telephone 301-594-5193. Please ask for Katie Burns, M.S. or Soren Lowell, Ph.D.