About this Research Topic
Many protocols and tools for assessing dysphagia, including aspiration, have been developed. Videofluoroscopic and videoendoscopic examinations are the current
gold standard for assessing dysphagia. In addition, novel methods and instruments have been developed which are non-invasive and simple to implement.
As for clinical intervention, several effective rehabilitation protocols as well as traditional methods have been utilized. Moreover, novel machines such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the neck are being introduced and are expected to improve neuromuscular function.
Many methods for dysphagia evaluation and intervention have been developed. However, their usefulness has not been fully evaluated. In addition, the mechanism of dysphagia itself is not well understood. Therefore, an instrument to investigate the mechanism of dysphagia should be developed to progress the design of effective
interventions. As for disease intervention, several instruments might stimulate and modulate neurological function. In addition, neurophysiology and neuroimaging assessments are important methods, thus novel modalities are expected to be developed
to better understand the mechanism of dysphagia.
Moreover, the combination of these methods can increase the quality of management. In regards to this, multidisciplinary team approaches have been emphasized to increase the effect against dysphagia. In fact, a team approach can decrease the incidence of pneumonia in neurological diseases. Thus, the process and system of the team approach should be optimized to improve its effectiveness. New approaches for the evaluation and management of dysphagia in neurological disease are expected to improve the prognosis and quality of life.
This topic is dedicated to the development of new approaches for dysphagia evaluation and intervention across all neurological diseases. Neurological diseases have specific features and symptoms, thus a specific therapeutic approach is needed to tackle dysphagia.
The primary aim is to disseminate original research to professionals across multiple disciplines from researchers who study dysphagia in neurological disease. Research submitted to this topic should be limited to human subjects. We welcome contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Neural mechanisms of dysphagia
- Novel protocols or tools for dysphagia evaluation
- Novel application of neuromodulation for dysphagia
- New insights on conventional evaluation criteria, intervention, and rehabilitation
- Neuroimaging, brain stimulation or electrophysiological techniques to elucidate the effects of rehabilitation on dysphagia
- New insights on dysphagia evaluation and nutritional approach according to diseases’ progression
Keywords: dysphagia, rehabilitation, novel evaluation, novel instrument, neurophysiology, neuroimaging
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