Treating neurogenic dysphagia

Abstract

Objective To explore the best treatment program for neurogenic dysphagia (ND) by observing the efficacy of three different rehabilitation programs.Methods Eighty-two dysphagic patients were randomly divi-ded into a swallowing training group (which received mouth,facial,and tongue function training along with cold sti-mulation of the pharynx,Mendelson's swallowing training,and swallowing behavior coordination training) and a group which received neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) only.Low-frequency NMES was applied at the location of the swallowing obstacle using a biphase square wave 700ms long at 30-80 Hz with a current intensity of 0-15 mA.There was also a combined treatments group which received swallowing behavior therapy combined with NMES.All three groups were treated for 30 min daily for 20 days.Videofluoroscopy (VFSS) was conducted before and after treatment to assess swallowing function.Results After 20 days of treatment,swallowing function had improved in all three groups.The effectiveness rate was 73% in the swallowing training group,83% in the NMES group and 94% in the combined treatment group.The average VFSS score in the combined therapy group was significantly higher than that of either the swallowing training or NMES group.Conclusions NMES combined with swallowing behavior the-rapy can greatly improve swallowing function in patients with neurogenic dysphagia,especially those with pseudosupranuclear paralysis. Key words: Swallowing function training; Neuromuscular electrical stimulation; Neurogenic dysphagia; Videofluoroscopic swallowing study