Intensities of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Dysphagia after Cerebral Infarction / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To study the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in different intensities on dysphagia after cerebral infarction and its neurological mechanism. Methods:From January, 2016 to December, 2018, 60 inpatients with dysphagia after cerebral infarction were randomly equally divided into low-, medium- and high-intensity groups, in which the intensities of tDCS were 1.0 mA, 1.5 mA and 2.0 mA, respectively, for 30 days. They were observed with video fluoroscopic swallowing study and α waves of electroencephalography before and after treatment. Results:The score of oral stage increased in the high-intensity group after treatment (t = -2.196, P < 0.05), while the dominant frequency of α wave increased (t = -6.488, P < 0.001). Conclusion:High-intensity tDCS may improve the excitability of the brain for patients with dysphagia after cerebral infarction, to improve the swallowing.