Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Simultaneous Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 27, 2014
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over the Vagus Nerve Promotes Poststroke Dysphagia Recovery: A Randomized,
Shaofan Chen1, Shuo Xu, Chenfang Liang
1From the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhangzhou Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to confirm whether transcranial direct current stimulation over the vagus nerve can improve swallowing function in patients with poststroke dysphagia.
Design:
This is a parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial.
Methods:
Sixty-four patients with poststroke dysphagia were randomly allocated to receive real or sham transcranial direct current stimulation over the vagus nerve combined with routine swallowing rehabilitation therapy. Swallowing function was assessed by Fiberoptic Endoscopic Dysphagia Severity Scale, Modified Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability Scale, Functional Communication Measure, and Rosenbek Penetration-Aspiration Scale before and after treatment.
Results:
After 4 weeks of treatment, swallowing function improved in both the transcranial direct current stimulation over the vagus nerve group and control group. Intragroup changes in the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Dysphagia Severity Scale, Modified Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability Scale, Functional Communication Measure, and Rosenbek Penetration-Aspiration Scale scores were more significant in the transcranial direct current stimulation over the vagus nerve group than in the control group.
Conclusions:
This preliminary study suggested that the performance of transcranial direct current stimulation over the vagus nerve improved the swallowing function in patients with poststroke dysphagia and extended the clinical application of transcranial direct current stimulation in poststroke dysphagia.
More Related Videos
10:11Updated Technique for Reliable, Easy, and Tolerated Transcranial Electrical Stimulation Including Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Published on: January 3, 2020
08:53Randomized, Triple-Blind, and Parallel-Controlled Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke
Published on: June 6, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Esophageal Achalasia
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology