A case report: swallowing disorder due to cerebral infarction in the right anterior cerebral artery supply area

Abstract This report explores the treatment plan and possible mechanisms underlying swallowing disorders caused by unilateral cerebral hemisphere infarction. A review of the diagnosis and treatment process was conducted for a patient with significant dysphagia caused by an infarction in the right anterior cerebral artery region. The clinical manifestations included swallowing and speech disorders. MRI of the head shows a new cerebral infarction in the territory of the right anterior cerebral artery. The swallowing test revealed a delayed swallowing reflex, with a rating of 5 on the Wada drinking water test. After repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with various treatments, including motor imagery therapy, acupuncture, low-frequency electrotherapy, routine swallowing training, cold therapy, and others, the swallowing function showed significant improvement. The case report concludes that cerebral infarction in the right anterior cerebral artery region can result in significant swallowing difficulties, highlighting the need for prompt intervention through early swallowing function training.