Impact of Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block on Swallowing Difficulties Caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

A Randomized Controlled Study to Explore the Effect of Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block on Pharyngeal Dysphagia Induced by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The goal of this clinical trial is to explore Clinical Effect of Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block on Pharyngeal Dysphagia Induced by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. The main question it aims to answer is:

• Can Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block improve dysphagia caused by gastroesophageal reflux symptoms on the basis of rehabilitation training? Participants will be randomly allocated into the control group or the experimental group, all under rehabilitation treatment, the experimental group will be given Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block once a day additionally. The study lasts 20 days for each participant. Researchers will compare the Rosenbek penetration-aspiration scale, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire, Pressure pain threshold, to see if the Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block can help improve the symptom.

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common digestive disorder characterized by the backflow of stomach contents and fluids into the esophagus.

The goal of this clinical trial is to explore Clinical Effect of Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block on Pharyngeal Dysphagia Induced by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. The main question it aims to answer is:

• Can Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block improve dysphagia caused by gastroesophageal reflux symptoms on the basis of rehabilitation training? Participants will be randomly allocated into the control group or the experimental group, all under rehabilitation treatment, the experimental group will be given Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block once a day additionally. The study lasts 20 days for each participant. Researchers will compare the Rosenbek penetration-aspiration scale, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire, Pressure pain threshold, to see if the Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block can help improve the symptom.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meeting the diagnostic criteria for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
• Age between 18 and 85 years.
• Confirmed tongue-pharyngeal nerve injury by electromyography.
• Esophageal manometry and barium swallow examination confirming the presence of pharyngeal dysphagia.
• Normal higher brain function, able to cooperate with treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Brain vascular disease diagnosed.
• Clinical assessment and swallowing videofluoroscopic examination revealing cognitive phase, oral preparatory phase, or oral phase disorders.
• Concurrent presence of other neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease.
• Esophageal obstruction and severe liver or kidney dysfunction
• Subjective unwillingness to undergo the treatment and presence of psychiatric abnormalities, etc.