Gagging
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of various techniques in alleviating gag reflex following gag reflex stimulation. Primary aim: To compare if there is any reduction in gag reflex from each of the following interventions * Acupuncture (CV-24) * Tape * Anesthetic spray Secondary aim: to compare the degree of gag reduction
Detailed description
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of various techniques in alleviating gag reflex following gag reflex stimulation. Primary aim: To compare if there is any reduction in gag reflex from each of the following interventions * Acupuncture (CV-24) * Tape * Anesthetic spray Secondary aim: to compare the degree of gag reduction
Interventions
DRUGAnesthetic spray
will be applied to back of the throat for 10 seconds; their chin will also be concealed from the GSI examiner using a small cup and masking tape.
DEVICEAcupuncture
A 6C file (endodontic instrumentation file) will be placed on the patient's mentolabial fold (CV24). This file will be concealed by a small paper cup; A clean alcohol wipe will be used to clean the mentolabial area prior to placing the acupuncture needle (6 C-File).
GENETICMasking Tape
A piece of commercially available masking tape will be adhered to the patient's mentolabial fold and concealed by the small paper cup
Sponsors
Tufts University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Unblinded. Subjects will be randomized. The three intervention groups are : Acupuncture (CV-24), Tape and Anesthetic Spray.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* 18 years or older (individuals below 18 years will be excluded from the study as the study procedures might not be well tolerated by them, and they are not the primary population on which these procedures are used). * Students, faculty, or staff of Tufts SDM * Subjects who score a 2 or higher on the Gagging Severity Index (GSI)7 and have a positive gag reflex response when stimulated with a cotton swab at the base of the tongue/uvula/tonsil region.
Exclusion criteria
* Adults unable to consent (cognitively impaired adults) * Wards of the state * Pregnant women (those that are self-reported) * Current use of anticoagulants * Allergy to xylocaine * Those with bleeding disorders * Those who participated in the Calibration phase of this study
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Gag Reflex Severity Index (GSI) Score From Pre- to Post-Intervention | 90 minutes per subject | Change in Gag Reflex Severity Index (GSI) Score From Baseline to Post-Intervention * Acupuncture (CV-24) * Tape * Anesthetic spray Gag reflex severity will be assessed by clinicians using the Gagging Severity Index (GSI), based on definitions set by Dickinson and Fiske. GSI will first be recorded after initial gag stimulation with a cotton swab. Following randomization to one of three interventions (acupuncture, anesthetic spray, or masking tape), GSI will be recorded again. The change in GSI score will be used to measure change in gag response. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Reported Degree of Gag Reflex Reduction Using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) | Immediately post-intervention during single study visit | Participants will complete an in-session survey to rate their gag reflex severity after the assigned intervention using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The VAS rating reflects the participant's perception of gag reduction following either acupuncture at CV24, anesthetic spray, or masking tape application. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
Primary ContactDevon Ptak
Outcome results
None listed