Objective To evaluate the efficacy of an evidence-based dysphagia management protocol for patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods A total of 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke were randomly divided into a control group （n=30）, who received routine admission assessment and nursing intervention, and an intervention group （n=30）, who were screened with Toronto bedside swallowing screening test (TOR-BSST) and then subjected to the evidence-based dysphagia management protocol. The improvement of swallowing function, the incidence rates of aspiration and apoplexy associated pneumonia were monitored before, 1 day and 7 days into the intervention. Results The total effective rate of swallowing function improvement in the intervention group was better than that in the control group;the incidence rates of apoplexy associated pneumonia was significantly lower in the former than in the latter（P＜0.05）. Conclusion The evidence-based dysphagia management protocol could prevent or better dysphagia in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and boost recovery of swallow function.