Media

Release of mid-term report on treatment of swallowing disorders using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

12 Apr 2015

Past overseas studies have suggested that around 50% of chronic stroke survivors will develop some level of swallowing problems. Based on the Hospital Authority 2012-2013 annual report, there are around 25,000 stroke cases per year and it is estimated that around 12,500 of these cases may continue to have swallowing problems when they are discharged from hospitals.

The Swallowing Research Laboratory in the Division of Speech & Hearing Sciences, Faculty of Education, the University of Hong Kong has been conducting a study to investigate a new swallowing treatment method for stroke survivors since 2013. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method of modulating the activity of the cerebral cortex. In recent years, researchers worldwide have found evidence in supporting the use of rTMS in the treatment of swallowing disorders associated with stroke.

The research team of the Swallowing Research Laboratory will present the details and mid-term report of the study. Mr Wong, the son of a former participant of the pilot study will share his experiences participating in the study. Members of the media are invited to this press briefing. The details are as follows:

Date: April 15, 2015 (Wednesday)
Time: 11:00am
Venue: Room 750, 7/F, Meng Wah Complex, Main Campus, HKU
Language: Cantonese

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Rachel Li, Senior Manager (Development and Communications), Faculty of Education, HKU (Tel: 2219 4270 / Fax: 2540 6360 / E-mail: lirachel@hku.hk).