[Oropharyngeal dysphagia in stroke: diagnostic and therapeutic aspects]

The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia is high after a stroke. Clinically, it manifests as alterations affecting swallowing efficiency and safety, with the consequent morbidity and mortality associated with nutritional and respiratory alterations.

To carry out an updated review of the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of oropharyngeal dysphagia after a stroke that can be applied in daily clinical practice, and of the non-invasive neurostimulation techniques.

The process of diagnosis and treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia aims to screen, identify and diagnose patients at risk of dysphagia, and establish the dietary and therapeutic measures that ensure proper nutrition and hydration of patients under safe conditions. The diagnosis is based on the clinical examination of swallowing and on instrumental examinations such as videofluoroscopy and fibro-endoscopy. Therapeutic measures include compensatory and rehabilitative strategies (active manoeuvres, motor control exercises, neuromuscular electrostimulation and botulinum toxin treatment). Neurostimulation techniques include non-invasive central stimulation and intrapharyngeal electrical stimulation.

The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia is high after a stroke. Diagnosis should include a clinical evaluation and an instrumental examination, and thus objectively indicate the treatment, which will include compensatory and restorative measures with which to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.