The clinical and paraclinical characteristics and treatment results of patients with dysphagia in the recovery phase after a stroke using electroacupuncture combined with the rehabilitation at Hai Phong Traditional Medicine Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the clinical and paraclinical characteristics and evaluate the treatment outcomes of patients with dysphagia in the recovery phase after stroke, treated with electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation exercises at Hai Phong Traditional Medicine Hospital. Results: The majority of the study group were aged 70 years and older (53.3%), with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1, and an average disease duration of 4.2 ± 2.0 months. Common clinical symptoms included dysphagia, voice changes, ineffective cough, choking cough, drooling, and oral residue, all present in 100% of cases. Blood biochemistry revealed mean triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose levels of 3.5 ± 1.7 mmol/L, 4.9 ± 1.7 mmol/L, and 6.0 ± 1.8 mmol/L, respectively. After 20 days of treatment, the following symptom reductions were observed: dysphagia (93.3%), voice changes (76.7%), ineffective cough (63.3%), choking cough (63.3%), drooling (80%), and oral residue (86.7%), with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The degree of dysphagia according to the MANN scale also showed significant improvement (p < 0.05): the proportion of patients without dysphagia increased by 60%, those with mild dysphagia decreased by 40%, and those with moderate dysphagia decreased by 20%. Patients with good and fair treatment outcomes accounted for 96.7%. Conclusion: Patients with dysphagia in the recovery phase who were treated with electroacupuncture and rehabilitation exercises showed significant improvement in symptoms and reduced severity of dysphagia.