Assessment of the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) in management of post stroke dysphagia

Abstract

ysphagia is one of the most common morbidities after stroke, with a reported incidence of 29%-81%. Post-stroke dysphagia increases the risk for dehydration, malnutrition, pulmonary complications, and mortality, all of which lead to a poor prognosis. Managing dysphagia early in the stroke care pathway is of international concern, and so worldwide clinical guidelines mandate systematic bedside swallowing screening within the first few hours of admission to the hospital and prior to offering any oral food, fluid, or medication. Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) is one of the swallowing screening tests that have been validated in patients with acute stroke and has been recently recommended to be considered for regular clinical application in patients with stroke who are suspected of being at risk of aspiration. FEES is used to identify pathological movement patterns, to assess the effectiveness and safety of swallowing, to determine suitable food consistencies or forms of nutrition and to guide the use of therapeutic manoeuvres for each patient.