Abstract:Objective To investigate the effects of bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with balloon dilation technique on the swallowing ability and penetration-aspiration in patients with post-stroke cricopharyngeal achalasia.Methods From February 2021 to February 2024, 96 patients with post-stroke cricopharyngeal achalasia treated in Lu'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected. According to the random number table method, the patients were divided into a control group (n = 48) and a combined group (n = 48). The control group received balloon dilation treatment, and the combined group was given bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the basis of the control group. Comparisons were made between the two groups before and after treatment in terms of eating function, Rosenbek Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), nutritional indicators, quality of life, and the incidence of adverse reactions.Results Significant between-group differences were observed in the changes from baseline to post-treatment. Eating function: The difference in Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores before and after treatment in the combined group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Swallowing function: The differences in PAS scores and Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) scores before and after treatment in the combined group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Nutritional indicators: The difference in albumin levels before and after treatment in the combined group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Quality of life: The difference in Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) scores before and after treatment in the combined group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference in adverse event rates was found between groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion Bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with balloon dilation technique can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with post-stroke cricopharyngeal achalasia and reduce the risk of penetration-aspiration.