Research progress on transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-stroke dysphagia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Dysphagia is a frequent complication of stroke, impacting 50-81% of patients.
• Therapeutic mechanisms for post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) remain incompletely understood.
• Neurological damage is a known factor contributing to dysphagia onset.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy of neuroplasticity-based transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for PSD.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of TMS in PSD rehabilitation.
• To discuss limitations and future prospects of TMS for clinical application in PSD.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for post-stroke dysphagia (PSD).
• Analysis of studies investigating neuroplasticity changes induced by TMS.
• Evaluation of clinical trial data regarding TMS effectiveness.

Main Results:

• TMS promotes neuroplasticity through synaptogenesis, reorganization, and network modulation.
• Evidence suggests TMS can improve swallowing function in PSD patients.
• Further research is needed to fully establish optimal TMS protocols.

Conclusions:

• Neuroplasticity-based TMS is a promising therapeutic approach for PSD.
• Understanding TMS mechanisms can guide future PSD rehabilitation strategies.
• TMS holds potential for enhancing clinical practice in stroke recovery.