Effect of deep brain stimulation on dysphagia in Parkinson's disease: mechanisms, evidence, and outlook.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a common and significant complication of Parkinson's disease (PD), contributing to malnutrition, respiratory complications and impaired medication intake. The pathophysiology of OD in PD is heterogeneous, involving basal ganglia dysfunction with associated motor impairments in the oropharynx, cortical pathophysiology, and α-synuclein pathology in peripheral nerves. While deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established intervention for motor symptom management in PD, its effects on swallowing function remain poorly understood and controversial. This narrative review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence on the effects of DBS on OD in PD and to outline potential future research directions, grounded in current understanding

SUBMITTER: Hofacker J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12852375 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature