NCT06708195

Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Xerostomia (ETENX)

Analysis of the Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in Patients With Xerostomia

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (actual)
• Sponsor: Universidad de Murcia · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Saliva is a complex fluid with essential functions in the oral cavity, such as lubricating tissues, protecting against microorganisms, and facilitating processes like chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Xerostomia, defined as the subjective sensation of dry mouth, is commonly associated with reduced salivary flow, which can lead to intraoral and extraoral complications, including dental caries, periodontal disease, infections, and functional difficulties like chewing, speaking, and swallowing. Current treatments for xerostomia, such as saliva substitutes and lubricants, provide only temporary relief and do not address the underlying cause. Pharmacological agents like pilocarpine have shown effectiveness in stimulating salivary flow; however, their use is limited by adverse side effects such as excessive sweating and gastrointestinal discomfort. In this context, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a physical therapy traditionally used for pain relief, has shown significant potential in the therapeutic stimulation of salivary glands. TENS is a non-invasive approach that works by stimulating the auriculotemporal nerve, which innervates the parotid glands, promoting an increase in salivary flow. This study highlights the therapeutic value of TENS as an effective and safe solution for patients with xerostomia. The findings indicate that TENS therapy can increase salivary flow, alleviate symptoms of dry mouth, and significantly improve patients' quality of life, all without the risks and adverse effects associated with pharmacological treatments.

Detailed description

Current treatments for xerostomia, such as saliva substitutes and lubricants, provide only temporary relief and do not address the underlying cause. Pharmacological agents like pilocarpine have shown effectiveness in stimulating salivary flow; however, their use is limited by adverse side effects such as excessive sweating and gastrointestinal discomfort. In this context, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a physical therapy traditionally used for pain relief, has shown significant potential in the therapeutic stimulation of salivary glands. TENS is a non-invasive approach that works by stimulating the auriculotemporal nerve, which innervates the parotid glands, promoting an increase in salivary flow. This study highlights the therapeutic value of TENS as an effective and safe solution for patients with xerostomia. The findings indicate that TENS therapy can increase salivary flow, alleviate symptoms of dry mouth, and significantly improve patients' quality of life,

Conditions

• Xerostomia
• Dry Mouth

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Group experimental	Type: Inactive TENS (placebo) Frequency: 1 session Session duration: 15 minutes Application area: Skin over the bilateral parotid glan

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-09-15
• Primary completion: 2024-11-20
• Completion: 2024-11-20
• First posted: 2024-11-27
• Last updated: 2024-11-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Spain