Transcranial direct current stimulation for post-stroke dysphagia: a meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Dysphagia affects 25-80% of stroke survivors, increasing morbidity and mortality.
• Swallowing difficulties post-stroke necessitate effective therapeutic interventions.

Approach:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
• Searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE for studies on tDCS for post-stroke dysphagia.
• Analyzed 9 studies evaluating tDCS combined with conventional dysphagia therapy.

Key Points:

• Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with conventional therapy improved swallowing function.
• Meta-analysis showed a strong effect of tDCS in reducing penetration and aspiration risk (Hedges's g = 0.55).
• Significant improvements were observed in participants receiving tDCS.

Conclusions:

• tDCS demonstrates positive effects in treating post-stroke dysphagia.
• tDCS improves swallowing function, oral and pharyngeal phase times, and reduces aspiration risk.
• Combination therapies including tDCS, conventional therapy, or muscle training enhance swallowing recovery.