Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on the Nutritional Status and Neurological Function of Patients With Postischemic Stroke Dysphagia

Background: This project aimed to explore the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the nutritional status and neurological function of patients with postischemic stroke dysphagia. Materials and Methods: After recruiting 70 inpatients with cerebral infarction combined with dysphagia hospitalized in the Cerebrovascular Center of Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital from June 2017 to June 2020, we assigned them randomly into a control group and an rTMS group. Patients in the control group received swallowing training, while patients of the rTMS group received swallowing training and rTMS. Results: Fifteen days after treatment, serum nutrition indexes and neurotrophic indexes of both groups were higher than before treatment, and their serum nerve injury indexes were lower than before treatment. After 15 days of treatment, the body nutrition indexes and neuronutrition indexes of the rTMS group were higher than those of the control group, while the nerve injury indexes of the rTMS group were lower than those of the control group. Conclusion: rTMS in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke can better improve nutritional status and nerve function, reducing nerve damage.