Applications of transcranial direct current stimulation over vagus nerve on dysphagia after stroke

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been commonly employed for the functional rehabilitation of stroke patients. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on the vagus nerve (TDCSVN) in improving dysphagia in stroke patients. Patients experiencing dysphagia following a stroke were diagnosed with dysphagia by a water swallow test. Swallowing function was evaluated with the standard swallowing scale score and the functional dysphagia scale. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. TDCSVN treatment resulted in a significantly greater reduction in both the standard swallowing scale and functional dysphagia scale scores compared to conventional treatment. Furthermore, TDCSVN treatment led to a notable increase in hemoglobin and albumin levels, suggesting a more substantial improvement in dysphagia compared to conventional methods. Additionally, TDCSVN treatment was more effective in decreasing serum levels of IL-1β and IL-8 in dysphagic patients after a stroke. TDCSVN treatment demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on inflammatory cytokines, resulting in a more pronounced improvement in dysphagia among stroke patients.<b>NEW & NOTEWORTHY</b> The present study demonstrates that transcranial direct current stimulation on the vagus nerve (TDCSVN) treatment shows a significant inhibitory effect on the production of inflammatory factors, resulting in a more pronounced improvement in dysphagia among stroke patients.