A review of the mechanism and clinical application of electroacupuncture in the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia

Stroke is one of the major lethal diseases worldwide and is often associated with severe complications for instance dysphagia, which has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, and a decline in overall health, significantly increasing the burden on patients and caregivers. Electroacupuncture, one of the common treatments for post-stroke dysphagia, effectively improves nerve function, enhances neuromuscular conduction, and restores swallowing ability through stimulation of specific acupoints. Compared with traditional rehabilitation methods, electroacupuncture can provide targeted interventions to support the recovery of motor function and sensory pathways, shorten rehabilitation time and improve rehabilitation outcomes. This article reviews the pathogenesis and risks of post-stroke dysphagia, mechanisms of action, indications and contraindications, timing of application and treatment, and efficacy and benefits. In addition, it compares the advantages of electroacupuncture with those of traditional therapies and highlights its potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy when used in conjunction with other rehabilitation tools