ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection plus nerve electrical stimulation in treating deglutition disorders after cerebral stroke. Method Seventy-seven patients with deglutition disorders after cerebral stroke were randomized into an electrical stimulation group of 24 cases, a hydroacupuncture group of 26 cases, and a comprehensive group of 27 cases, to respectively receive Vitalstim electrical stimulation, acupoint injection of Mecobalamin, and both of the treatments, 5 d as a treatment course, with 2-day interval between two courses, for 4 courses in total. The modified water-drinking test and Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA) were adopted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy before the intervention, after 20-day treatment, and after 60-day treatment, and the therapeutic efficacies were compared. Result The modified water-drinking test and SSA scores were significantly changed in the three groups after 20-day treatment compared with that before the intervention, and the scores in the comprehensive group were superior to that of the electrical stimulation group and hydroacupuncture group. However, on the 60th day, the scores were equivalent among the three groups. Conclusion The Vitalstim electrical stimulation and acupoint injection of Mecobalamin both can produce certain treatment effects for deglutition disorders after cerebral stroke;the two methods can work in a synergistic way and can boost the improvement of swallowing function.