Effect of Vagal Nerve Stimulation on Swallowing in Subjects with Post Stroke Dysphagia

Abstract

Background: The study was developed to find the effect of auricular transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation ondifficulty in swallowing in post stroke dysphagia.Purpose: The purpose of this research is to extensively investigate and analyse how VNS impacts swallowing inpeople with post-stroke dysphagia.Materials and Methods: A total, 30 individuals have been selected mainly according to the criteria of both theinclusion and exclusion, from the above-mentioned study setting. The study was explained to subjects and writtenconsent was collected from all subjects prior to the initiation of procedure. The subjects included the study wasrandomly allocated into 2 groups The participants in group A will receive Transcutaneous auricular vagal nervestimulation, which is given for 20 min with the frequency of about 25 Hz, amplitude: 1 mA, pulse width: 360μs using clip electrode being placed in Cymba Concha, along with the conventional exercises and Group B willreceive Neuromuscular electrical stimulation will be given as Interrupted direct current at 30 Hz for 100ms, andthe intensity was increased until perceptible visible contraction.Results: Auricular transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation showed a significant effect in improving swallowingfunctions at 4 weeks, with a p value which is < 0.001.Conclusion: This study showed that the transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation showed a positive effectin improving swallowing functions in patients with dysphagia.