Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in Post-stroke Dysphagia Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review of Meta-analyses in 2022

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to update the current knowledge on non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) effects, such as repetitive transcranial brain stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation, in patients with post-stroke dysphagia (PSD). METHODS: We summarized the basic principles and therapeutic strategies of NIBS. We then reviewed nine meta-analyses from 2022 that investigated the efficacy of NIBS in PSD rehabilitation. RESULTS: Although dysphagia is a common and devastating sequela of stroke, the efficacy of conventional swallowing therapies remains controversial. NIBS techniques have been proposed as promising approaches for managing PSD via neuromodulation. Recent meta-analyses have shown that NIBS techniques are beneficial for the recovery of patients with PSD. CONCLUSIONS: NIBS has the potential to become a novel alternative treatment for PSD rehabilitation.