Vitalstim for dysphagia

[Fortu]

is anyone familiar with vitalstim for dysphagia ?

Currently on it or any results ?

[SewBears]

I wasn’t aware of the medical term Vitalstim. I looked it up and I’m pretty sure that my husband went through this. He had swallowing treatments that sounds like the same thing. We went a year ago, one day a week for ten weeks. The length of time is probably based on individual patient needs. They put electrodes on the outside of my husband’s throat muscles and he had to swallow repeatedly. I didn’t stay in the room with him during the treatments. It’s my understanding that the electrodes were turned up with each successful swallow. It didn’t hurt him at all. In fact, his coughing episodes subsided and there was a lot less phlegm. The treatments somehow helped his brain to process swallowing better. It worked but it’s not a cure. We’re probably going to go through it again soon because his cough is coming back. I do think it helped and his quality of life was better because of the treatments. I hope that you find this helpful.

[Fortu in reply to SewBears]

Thanks for your response ! My husband is receiving this therapy now I also think his cough is better .

[Krmaier6896]

Hi, Sam did have that procedure weekly while he was doing swallowing procedures with a speech therapist. Not sure how much it worked but at the point Sam was at I would try anything to help him with his choking episodes. It was probably over 2 years ago. He has since been fitted with a PEG feeding tube. I just want Sam to be as comfortable as possible. Best of luck. I’m sure it might help & no, it does not hurt.

Kathy

[Red1990]

Yes! My PSPer mother went to swallow therapy for quite awhile..the SLP used AmpCare primarily and VitalStim a bit. Basically, the systems improve swallow strength and speed timing. The followup up barium swallow test showed impressive improvement over the first test. Not a perfect swallow, but much improved.

No cure, but my mother ate a chopped barbeque sandwich instead of pureed gruel yesterday for lunch without choking or an aspiration cough. Doing our best to live our best with PSP.