The management of dysphagia in stroke

Research progress of clinical intervention and nursing for patients with post-stroke dysphagia

Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a common and costly complication of stroke and is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and hospitalization. Although most patients can spontaneously resume swallowing, there are still many patients who do not recover and even die. Despite multiple advances in the acute treatment and secondary prevention of stroke, the effective treatment of PSD remains a neglected area. Studies have shown that repair mechanisms of neurostimulation techniques and increased cortical activity play an important role in the treatment of PSD. In addition, nutritional interventions are also crucial for the treatment of malnutrition in PSD patients. Therefore, this article reviews the effects of the current main clinical treatment methods and nutritional interventions on the treatment and rehabilitation of PSD patients. It also emphasized the necessity of developing an individualized care plan for PSD patients, which is of great significance to promote the clinical treatment, nutritional status, prognosis, and quality of life of PSD patients.

Poststroke dysphagia: implications for nurses

It is important for nurses to increase their understanding of poststroke dysphagia because nurses are often the first to observe the signs and symptoms of dysphagia. An increased awareness of dysphagia and its complications should help prepare nurses to assess high-risk clients, advocate for prompt diagnosis, use compensatory interventions, and educate clients and their family members. Dysphagia is common after clients have had a stroke, and it places them at risk for numerous complications. Prompt assessment and intervention are required and may decrease clients' problems. This article presents an overview of the normal swallowing reflex to facilitate readers' understanding of dysphagia and discusses the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of dysphagia as well as related nursing implications. An individualized plan of care for a dysphagic client requires input from the entire interdisciplinary team, and nurses must ensure adherence to this plan on a 24-hour-per-day basis.

Outcomes of individualized interventions in patients with severe eating difficulties

The aim of this case study is to describe the outcomes of individualized interventions for patients with severe eating difficulties. The participants were 15 patients who had severe eating difficulties following a stroke or brain tumor and were receiving oral feeding or tube feeding. Interventions focused on training functions needed for eating, activities in eating, and discussions with the patient. Improvements were especially noted in eating activities, and some improvements were noted in oral movements and nutritional status. Before the interventions, none of the patients ate regular food; afterward, six did, and in four patients, the feeding tube was removed. The patients said eating was easier, and they could eat in a safe way. Furthermore, they appreciated the attention to their experience during meals. Although the impairments were not always alleviated, the patients found means to cope with their eating difficulties.