A pilot study on the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation applied to the pharyngeal motor cortex for dysphagia associated with brainstem involvement in multiple sclerosis

摘要

Objective: we investigated the effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the pharyngeal motor area in dysphagia associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Eighteen MS patients with dysphagia associated with brainstem involvement were randomized to receive either "real" or "sham" tDCS. Primary outcome: The Penetration/Aspiration Scale (PAS). Secondary outcomes: changes in electromyographic (EMG) parameters and pharyngeal cortical motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Patients were evaluated at baseline (T-0), at the end of 5-session cycle of tDCS stimulations (T-1), after two (T-2), and four (T-3) weeks.