Abstract: As an SLP, we have many treatment methods, tools, and modalities to utilize for evaluation and treatment of dysphagia. However, one of these modalities, tends to be met with controversy - Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES). How can NMES be used and when is it appropriate for patients with dysphagia?
Description: With all the methods, tools and modalities SLPs have at their disposal, how does one decide what is the best course of treatment for our patients diagnosed with oral and/or pharyngeal dysphagia? I believe this comes with many trials and sometimes error. One treatment modality that can enhance our traditional dysphagia exercises is NMES. Now that you are certified and chosen to use NMES, many questions come to mind. How do I know who is appropriate for NMES? Do I need to do anything additional when I do NMES? Would my patient benefit from muscle contraction or high sensory? How treatment sessions should I do between my instrumental swallow studies? The list of questions keeps going. One thing is true, the dysphagia treatment you provide will either progress your patient or not. The question I have for you is how are you going to clinically make your decision based on the objective facts you have in front of you? I will share my clinical process, the literature I have read to provide evidence to this modality of dysphagia treatment and, hopefully, provide some answers and guidance as you choose to utilize NMES with your patients with dysphagia.
Presentation Format & Methods: PowerPoint
Supporting Research: Reference 1: Carnaby-Mann, G. D., & Crary, M. A. (2007). Examining the Evidence on Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Swallowing. Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 133(6), 564. doi: 0.1001/archotol.133.6.564
Supporting Research: Reference 2: Poorjavad, M., Talebian Moghadam, S., Nakhostin Ansari, N., & Daemi, M. (2014). Surface electrical stimulation for treating swallowing disorders after stroke: a review of the stimulation intensity levels and the electrode placements. Stroke research and treatment, 2014, 918057.
Supporting Research: Reference 3: Shune, S. and Moon, J. (2012). Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Dysphagia Management: Clinician Use and Perceived Barriers. Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders, 39(Fall), pp.55-68.
Supporting Research: Reference 4: Dacy, J. and DeVahl, J. (2019, July). VitalStim Therapy and Beyond: DINES Specialty Certificate Program. Houston, TX.
Supporting Research: Reference 5: Campbell, R. (2022, May). Deciphering Dysphagia with Ampcare’s Effective Swallowing Protocol (ESP™). Houston, TX.
Learning Objectives:
Identify terms related to neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
Identify populations and diagnoses appropriate for NMES
Identify traditional dysphagia exercises appropriate to pair with NMES