VitalStim Therapy
VitalStim Therapy is a method requiring Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) which is applied to the front of the neck. When used in conjunction with traditional dysphagia therapy, it is effective at strengthening and reeducating the muscular system responsible for swallowing as well as in improving motor control of the swallowing mechanism.
VitalStim Therapy was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. After reviewing the data of 892 individuals who had undergone VitalStim Therapy, along with data from a 3-year follow-up study on 300 of those initial cases, the FDA found that VitalStim Therapy was safe and effective in treating dysphagia and cleared it for use by certified professionals.
VitalStim Therapy has been found to be an effective treatment for individuals with swallowing impairments due to:
Aging
CVA/Stroke
Head & Neck Cancers
Autoimmune Diseases
Progressive Degenerative Diseases
Myopathies