Dysphagia Following Cerebrovascular Accident

The aim of the present project is to use transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (t-VNS) for the treatment of dysphagia in acute stroke patients to improve swallowing function and reduce mortality and disability related to this condition. 30 patients will be randomized into one of the two arms of the study: * REAL: real t-VNS + speech therapy * SHAM: t-VNS placebo + speech therapy. The experimental treatment consists in the association between t-VNS (real or placebo) and speech therapy exercises to improve swallowing functionality. Each patient will undergo a speech therapy rehabilitation session lasting approximately 40 minutes a day for 3 consecutive days, simultaneously with t-VNS on left ear. Swallowing function and clinical conditions will be evaluated before the intervention (baseline, T0), immediately after the intervention (T1) and 3 months after the intervention (T2).

The aim of the prospective observational TEDRAS - Follow-up Trial is to investigate the limitations of the initial TEDRAS - Trial in patients with acute Dysphagia is a common consequence from ischemic stroke and it correlates with an increased risk of pulmonary complications such as aspiration pneumonia and an increased mortality risk. TEDRAS-Trial (Transesophageal Echocardiography: Dysphagia Risk in the Acute Phase After Stroke; ClinTrial.gov identifier NCT04302883) was the first randomized and controlled trial to address the question of the extent to which TEE increases dysphagia risk in acute stroke patients. The results of the study confirmed the hypothesis that dysphagia severity worsens after TEE in the intervention group. The aim of the prospective observational TEDRAS - Follow-up Trial is to investigate the limitations of the initial TEDRAS - Trial in patients with acute ischemic stroke.