10th Dysphagia Congress – Scientific Evaluation
The 10th Dysphagia Congress, hosted by Istinye University, was successfully completed with broad participation from the neurology and rehabilitation sciences community and within the framework of high scientific standards. Throughout the congress, the multidisciplinary management of post-stroke swallowing disorders (dysphagia) and the integration of advanced technology-based treatment approaches were comprehensively discussed.
Serving on the Congress Organizing Committee and playing a strategic role in shaping the scientific program, Prof. Dr. Yakup Krespi presented evidence-based and up-to-date approaches regarding the management of post-stroke neurological processes. During his sessions, he emphasized that interdisciplinary evaluation is a clinical necessity in determining the prognosis of swallowing disorders.
Approximately 500 professionals attended the congress, where a total of 58 expert speakers—four of whom were international—delivered presentations. The program, consisting of 3 comprehensive courses, 14 scientific sessions, and 45 oral presentations, became a platform that elevated Türkiye’s academic expertise in the field of dysphagia treatment and research to an international level.
Technical Training Sessions Conducted During the Congress
The 10th Dysphagia Congress went beyond theoretical knowledge transfer and was structured around three core technical training sessions designed to provide participants with practical competencies:
- Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) Course: Endoscopic imaging techniques critical for the diagnostic process of swallowing disorders, device mechanics, and clinical analysis protocols were presented in detail.
- Current Maneuvers and Exercise Protocols in Swallowing Rehabilitation Course: The clinical application parameters of patient-specific intervention plans and protective swallowing techniques were discussed.
- Neuromodulation Approaches in Swallowing Rehabilitation Course: Reflecting the technological vision of the congress, this training covered advanced methods that stimulate neural plasticity—such as TMS, tDCS, and tVNS—including their parametric settings, electrode configurations, and the practical integration of these technologies into conventional rehabilitation modalities.
The congress once again confirmed the growing academic momentum in the field of swallowing disorders in Türkiye and the treatment protocols aligned with international standards. Enriched by comprehensive terminology studies and the outputs of expert working groups, the congress highlighted the synergy between evidence-based approaches and technological innovation in neurorehabilitation, concluding with a vision that will guide future strategies in the field.
