Non-pharmacologic Approaches to Dysphagia in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

Turkish Journal of Neurology

Kesik, G., & Özdemir, L. (2021).

Turkish Journal of Neurology, 27(2), 111-116.

This systematic review investigates the effect of non-pharmacological intervention on dysphagia for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).

No funding received



2006-2020

Semi-experimental studies, randomized controlled studies, pre-test and post-test controlled studies, mixed-type studies

4

<div>Non-pharmacological treatments included oral motor exercises, swallowing maneuvers (e.g., Mendelson's maneuver, supraglottic swallowing, effort swallowing), neuromuscular electrostimulation to the neck and jaw, pharyngeal electrical stimulation, and respiratory muscle exercises. These treatments reduced MS-related dysphagia symptoms, reduced aspiration frequency, and improved quality of life. Limitations included a very small number of included studies as well as heterogeneity in the sample of the included studies.</div>