Effect of Specific Mode Electroacupuncture Stimulation Combined with NGF on Dysphagia After Ischaemic Stroke: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with first-ever ischemic stroke confirmed by Computed Tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI);
• Onset time ranged from 15 days to 180 days;
• Aged 18 to 80 years old, male or female;
• Dysphagia confirmed by a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS);
• Patients who are able to accept and comply with acupuncture, electroacupuncture treatment, gluteal intramuscular injection, and have good compliance;
• Have provided signed consent and exhibit willingness to participate in the trial.
• Women who are lactating, pregnant or intending to get pregnant;

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with dysphagia before ischemic stroke onset or dysphagia not caused by ischemic stroke;
• Patients with severe cognitive impairment;
• Patients with severe cardiac, hepatic, and renal dysfunction, as well as severe coagulation abnormalities;
• Patients with other abnormal test results who are deemed unsuitable to participate in this study by the investigator.
• Multiple occurrences of stroke, or a history of craniocerebral surgery, or cerebral infarction caused by trauma or brain tumors.
• Patients with severe neurological deficits prior to ischemic stroke, such as visual and auditory impairments, aphasia, agnosia, severe hemiplegia, and other conditions.
• Women who are lactating, pregnant or intending to get pregnant;
• Patients with a history of needle fainting or with skin infections at the acupuncture site.
• Cardiac pacemaker carrier;
• Patients allergic to NGF;
• The inability to undergo VFSS;
• Patients with a medication history that may alter cortical excitability within the past 2 months.
• Patients who are currently participating in other clinical trials or have participated in clinical trials that ended within the last 3 months.